Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat. These cookies not only taste delicious but also bring a touch of love to any occasion, making them perfect for celebrations, gifts, or just because.
Why Make This Recipe
These heart-shaped cookies are not just your average chocolate chip cookies; they are sweet, soft, and visually charming. Their heart shape makes them ideal for gifting, especially on Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. Baking these cookies can be a fun activity that brings family and friends together, creating lovely memories while enjoying a timeless dessert. Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate chips?
How to Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let’s get started on this sweet treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set this mixture aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter with both granulated and light-brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat the mixture until all ingredients are well mixed, about 1 minute. Now, add the flour mixture slowly and mix until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, placing each cut-out on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Serve the Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Enjoy sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones!
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh. Pair them with cold milk or warm coffee, making them even more irresistible. You can also add a scoop of ice cream on top to create an even more delicious dessert!
How to Store Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a soft cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for varied flavors.
Variation
You can add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added crunch. For a fun twist, try adding a touch of peppermint extract in place of vanilla for a festive flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon.
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Can I make the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly before rolling it out.
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What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter? You can use any shape you have on hand, or even just scoop balls of dough to create more traditional cookies.
Enjoy the sweet taste and heartwarming shape of these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies!