There's nothing sweeter than a batch of homemade Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies to show someone you care. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate chips—perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just a cozy baking session with loved ones.

I first made these cookies for a friend’s bridal shower, and they were an instant hit. The heart shape adds an extra touch of love, and the golden-brown edges with a gooey center make them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples!

Why You'll Love These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these adorable, delicious cookies. They’re everything a chocolate chip cookie should be—chewy, sweet, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness.

First off, they’re fun to make. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter transforms a classic treat into something extra special, making these perfect for holidays and special occasions.

The texture is perfection. With crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, these cookies strike the ideal balance for cookie lovers of all kinds.

They’re easy to customize. Want to add nuts? Use white chocolate instead? Or even make them gluten-free? This recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you’re craving.

Lastly, they store well, meaning you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them all week—or gift them to someone special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour provides the structure for these cookies, keeping them soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape. Be sure to measure it correctly—too much can make your cookies dense!

Unsalted butter is essential for richness. Using room-temperature butter ensures the perfect creamy texture when mixed with sugar, leading to tender cookies.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the ideal texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps achieve those crispy edges.

Chocolate chips are, of course, the star of the show. Use semi-sweet for a classic taste, or experiment with dark or milk chocolate for variety.

A heart-shaped cookie cutter is necessary to achieve the signature shape. If you don’t have one, you can shape the dough by hand or use a knife to carve out hearts.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is as fun as eating them! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delicious, love-filled treats.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving soft, chewy cookies, so don’t rush it—mix for at least 2 minutes.

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The vanilla enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a warm, comforting taste.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stir gently.

Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Then, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. If the dough gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers will still look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

Once cooled, store your heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

If you prefer to freeze the dough, shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, roll it out, cut the hearts, and bake as directed—no need to thaw first!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it however you like. Here are some fun variations:

Make them double chocolate by replacing ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy texture.

Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to switch up the flavor profile. A mix of both is delicious too!

Turn them into sandwich cookies by spreading Nutella or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

Make them gluten-free by substituting an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Experimenting with flavors and mix-ins is part of the fun—get creative and make these cookies your own!

With their perfect balance of flavor, texture, and charm, these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to be a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special someone, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!