Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
The softened butter and chocolate chips do most of the work in these Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies, creating a soft, golden bite. The sprinkles add color, and the heart shape turns an everyday cookie into something special for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or a bake sale. They are simple to make with a few pantry staples and one heart cookie cutter.
Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened — The butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb. Soften it until it dents easily when pressed, but do not let it melt or turn oily.
- 1 1/2 cups sugars — Use a blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar for a chewy center and crisp edges. The brown sugar also helps the cookies stay soft.
- 2 large eggs — Eggs bind the dough and help it rise just enough to stay thick. Add them one at a time so they blend in smoothly.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract — Vanilla rounds out the sweetness of the dough. Add it with the eggs so it spreads evenly through the batter.
- 2 1/2 cups flour — All-purpose flour gives the cookies enough structure to hold their heart shape. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off so the dough is not dry.
- 1 tsp baking soda & salt — Baking soda helps the cookies spread and turn golden, while salt keeps the sweetness in check. Whisk them into the flour before mixing.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips — Semisweet chips melt into pockets of chocolate in every bite. Fold them in at the end so they stay whole.
- 1/3 cup sprinkles — Sprinkles add color and a bit of crunch. Use heart sprinkles if you want them to match the shape.
Substitutions And Additions
Chocolate Chips
Chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks work in place of the chips. They melt into bigger pools and make the cookies look a little more rustic, so the heart shapes may look less crisp.
Sprinkles
You can skip the sprinkles or swap them for chopped nuts. Nuts add crunch but no color, and they may make the heart cutout a bit harder to press cleanly.
Vanilla Extract
Almond extract works in a small amount, but use a light hand since it is stronger. Start with about half the vanilla amount so the cookie tastes balanced.
How To Make This Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Cream the butter and sugars. Beat the softened butter with the sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Mix until the batter looks smooth and creamy. Mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Stop mixing once the flour is fully blended into the dough so the cookies stay tender. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles with a spatula. The dough will be thick and scoopable.
- Press spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet, then cut or shape them into hearts. Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each mound. Pro Tip: Chill the scooped dough for 10 minutes if it feels very soft, so the heart shapes hold their edges. Bake the cookies. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden. The centers should look set but still slightly soft.
- Cut out the heart shapes while warm. While the cookies are still warm, press or swirl a heart cookie cutter around each cookie to create heart shapes. Pro Tip: If the cookies cool and turn firm, warm them for 30 seconds in the oven so the cutter goes through cleanly. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Serve And Store
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They also make a sweet addition to a dessert platter for a party.
In The Fridge
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh them, warm for 10 seconds in the microwave.
In The Freezer
Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make the dough ahead?
Yes, you can scoop the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding 1 or 2 minutes to the bake time if needed.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden while the centers look set but still soft. They will firm up as they cool on the rack.
Can I use a different cookie cutter?
Yes, any small cutter works, but a heart shape is what keeps this recipe unique. Press the cutter while the cookies are still warm for the cleanest shape.
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Enjoy these with someone you love. Follow Hailee Recipes on Pinterest for more easy bakes.
Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla until smooth. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill 10 minutes if very soft. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden at the edges.
- While still warm, press or swirl a heart cookie cutter around each cookie. Cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
