Here's a sweet and simple way to bake love into every bite—Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are golden and chewy on the outside, packed with melty chocolate in every bite, and shaped like little hearts to make any occasion extra special.

I first made these for Valentine’s Day, hoping to surprise my family with a treat that was both homemade and heartfelt. As soon as they came out of the oven, their warm, buttery aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew I had a winner. Whether you're baking for a special someone or just treating yourself, these cookies are the perfect way to spread a little love.

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

Get ready to fall for the cutest cookies you’ve ever made. These chocolate chip cookies are not just delicious—they’re a fun, creative way to make classic cookies feel extra special.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. No complicated techniques here—just a simple dough, rolled out and cut into heart shapes before baking.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a fun weekend baking project, these cookies bring a little extra joy to the table.

Plus, they hold their shape beautifully. Some cookies spread too much while baking, but this recipe keeps them looking picture-perfect while staying soft and chewy inside.

And of course, let’s not forget the most important part—the taste! These cookies are packed with gooey chocolate chips, a buttery flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness to make them utterly irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these delicious cookies lies in the perfect balance of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that soft and chewy texture.

Butter is the base of this dough, giving the cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content, and make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the ideal texture. Brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and chewy, while granulated sugar adds crisp edges and a balanced sweetness.

Egg and vanilla extract help bind the dough together while adding a hint of warm, comforting flavor. Use real vanilla extract for the best taste.

All-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt give the cookies their structure. The flour provides the right texture, the baking soda helps them rise slightly, and the salt enhances all the flavors.

Chocolate chips are the star of the show. Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer the best balance of sweetness and richness, but you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate.

To shape the cookies, you’ll need a heart-shaped cookie cutter. If you don’t have one, you can carefully cut out heart shapes using a knife.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is as fun as it is easy! Follow these simple steps to create adorable, delicious heart-shaped treats.

Start by creaming the softened butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Now for the best part—fold in the chocolate chips! Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every cookie is packed with gooey chocolate goodness. Once the dough is ready, cover it and chill for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading during baking.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible, gathering and re-rolling any scraps.

Carefully transfer the hearts to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time or save extras for later.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.

If you want to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Try these fun variations to make the cookies your own!

For a chocolate lover’s dream, swap half the chocolate chips for chocolate chunks or add white chocolate chips for extra contrast.

Want a little crunch? Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add texture and a nutty depth of flavor.

If you prefer a different sweetener, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a slightly caramel-like taste, while honey or maple syrup can add a more natural sweetness (though they may slightly change the texture).

For a festive twist, press sprinkles into the dough before baking or drizzle the finished cookies with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

And if you need a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The cookies will still turn out perfectly soft and delicious!

However you choose to make them, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of love-filled treats!