Here's something special for Valentine's Day or any time you want to show a little extra love! These heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are not just adorable—they’re soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite.

I first started making these when I wanted to surprise my family with a sweet treat that looked as good as it tasted. The result? A batch of golden, buttery cookies with perfectly crisp edges and a soft, gooey center—shaped like hearts for that extra special touch.

Why You'll Love This Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this cookie recipe! Whether you're baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.

First, they have the perfect chewy texture with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. Every bite melts in your mouth, thanks to a buttery dough and plenty of chocolate chips.

They’re also incredibly fun to make! No need for fancy cookie cutters—you can shape them by hand or use a simple heart-shaped mold. It’s a great baking project to do with kids or loved ones.

Plus, they make a fantastic homemade gift. Package them in a cute box, wrap them in ribbon, and you’ve got an easy, heartfelt treat for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries.

And if you’re a fan of easy, no-fuss recipes, you’ll love that this one comes together with basic pantry ingredients. No complicated steps, just classic cookie goodness with a fun twist.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these heart-shaped cookies lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a role in achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture.

Butter is the base of these cookies, giving them richness and a soft texture. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the ideal balance of chewiness and sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor, while granulated sugar gives a slight crispness to the edges.

Eggs and vanilla extract bring everything together, adding structure and a warm, comforting flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste—it makes a big difference!

All-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt provide the structure and leavening for these cookies. Be sure to measure your flour correctly—too much can lead to dry cookies.

Of course, chocolate chips are the star of the show! Use semi-sweet for a classic taste, or switch things up with milk or dark chocolate. You can even mix in some chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.

To shape these cookies, you can use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or simply mold them by hand before baking. If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 15-20 minutes makes shaping easier.

How To Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these heart-shaped cookies is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for perfectly shaped, delicious treats.

Start by creaming together your softened butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until light and fluffy—this step helps create that soft, chewy texture. Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender.

Now, fold in the chocolate chips. If you want extra chocolate in every bite, reserve a few chips to press on top of each cookie before baking. At this point, if the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

To shape your cookies, scoop out portions of dough and use your hands to form heart shapes. Alternatively, roll out the dough slightly and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers will still look soft, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

These cookies taste amazing fresh out of the oven, but they’re just as good the next day—if they last that long!

Storage Options

These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into hearts first, then freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This heart-shaped cookie recipe is incredibly versatile! Try these fun variations to switch things up.

For a double chocolate version, replace ¼ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. This makes for a rich, fudgy cookie.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly and use dark chocolate for an extra antioxidant boost.

For a nutty twist, mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. They add crunch and pair beautifully with the melty chocolate.

Want to make them extra festive? Stir in red, pink, or white chocolate chips, or decorate the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate once they’re cooled.

You can even turn these into stuffed cookies by placing a small piece of chocolate or caramel in the center before shaping them. When baked, you’ll get a gooey surprise inside!

No matter how you customize them, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are a fun and delicious way to spread some love. Happy baking!