There’s something extra special about baking Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies—whether you're making them for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just to show someone you care. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, all shaped into adorable hearts that make them even more irresistible.

I first started making these when I wanted a cute, heartfelt treat that wasn’t overly complicated. Unlike sugar cookies that require royal icing, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies keep things simple while still looking festive. They’re a fun baking project for kids, a sweet surprise for loved ones, or even a treat just for yourself!

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

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful cookies! They’re soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolatey goodness, but their heart shape takes them to the next level.

First off, no cookie cutters required! These cookies hold their heart shape easily with just a little hand shaping or a simple trick using a spoon. No need for fancy tools!

They also stay soft for days, thanks to the perfect ratio of butter and brown sugar. If you love bakery-style cookies with slightly crisp edges and a gooey center, this recipe is for you.

Plus, they’re perfect for gifting. Wrap them up in a cute box or tie them in a clear bag with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present that anyone will love.

And of course, chocolate chip cookies are always a hit. Whether you stick to classic semi-sweet chips or mix in white or dark chocolate, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cookies comes from simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what makes them special:

Butter – Using softened unsalted butter gives these cookies the perfect texture. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar helps with structure. The combination gives you the best chewy cookies.
Egg & Vanilla Extract – A single egg helps bind everything together, and pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour – Stick to regular all-purpose flour for a classic, soft cookie texture. If measuring by volume, fluff the flour with a spoon before scooping to avoid dense cookies.
Baking Soda & Salt – These balance the sweetness and help the cookies spread just the right amount.
Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to use a mix of white, milk, or dark chocolate for variety!

No special equipment is needed, but a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a mixing bowl will make the process smooth.

How To Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is just as fun as eating them! Here’s how to do it:

Start by creaming the butter and sugars together in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step helps create that perfect soft texture.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets evenly mixed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour.

Now for the best part—stir in the chocolate chips! You can use a spatula or mix on low speed until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

To shape the hearts, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then, place it on the prepared baking sheet and use your fingers to pinch the bottom into a point. To create the top curves, gently press a spoon or your fingertips into the top center. Don’t worry about perfection—the cookies will spread slightly and naturally form cute hearts as they bake!

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges turn golden brown. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them extra chewy, place a slice of bread in the container—it prevents them from drying out!

For longer storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies. If freezing the dough, shape it into hearts first, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

If freezing baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Use different chocolate – Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
Add mix-ins – Stir in chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Make them gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a wheat-free version that still tastes amazing.
Stuff them – Press a small chocolate square or caramel piece into the center of each heart for a gooey surprise inside.
Make mini hearts – Use a teaspoon of dough for bite-sized heart cookies—adorable and perfect for snacking!

No matter how you make them, these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake up some love! ❤️