There's something magical about a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie, but when you shape them into hearts, they become even more special. Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just because, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to share love in every bite.

I first made these for my family on Valentine's Day, and they were an instant hit. The soft, chewy centers, crisp edges, and gooey chocolate chips make them completely irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make, even if you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter!

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

These cookies are more than just adorable – they’re packed with rich, buttery flavor and melty chocolate chips that will have everyone coming back for more.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together in minutes, and you don’t need any special equipment to create the heart shape. If you have a cookie cutter, great! If not, I’ll show you an easy way to shape them by hand.

They're also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a romantic surprise, a fun baking project with kids, or a gift for a friend, these cookies bring joy to every bite.

Best of all, they stay soft and chewy for days. A simple trick ensures they remain fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy them even after baking.

Ready to make the cutest chocolate chip cookies ever? Let’s get started!

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the best heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies is using quality ingredients. Here’s what makes these cookies extra special:

Butter: 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: The combination of both sugars gives these cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.

Egg and vanilla extract: These two ingredients help bind the dough while enhancing the cookies’ flavor. A good-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference!

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Be sure to measure correctly—scooping straight from the bag can lead to too much flour, making your cookies dry.

Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can also mix in chunks of chocolate for extra decadence.

If you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, that’s perfect! If not, you can shape the cookies by hand or use a knife to trim them after baking.

How To Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is simple and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

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 bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting soft and chewy cookies! Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. If you want extra chocolatey cookies, press a few extra chips onto the tops before baking.

If using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out hearts. If shaping by hand, roll the dough into small balls, slightly flatten them, then pinch the bottom and shape the top to create a heart.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

To keep these heart-shaped cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their moisture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes!

For a fun twist, try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. They add a creamy, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie base.

If you love a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. The contrast between the soft cookie and the crunchy nuts is delicious!

For a festive look, mix in red and pink sprinkles or drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate.

Need a dairy-free option? Swap the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. They’ll still be just as delicious!

No matter how you customize them, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!