Oh my goodness, am I excited to share this recipe for Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies! These little beauties are not only delicious, but they are also perfect for any occasion—Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just a sweet evening treat (you know, when you just want to cuddle up with a book and some cookies). I remember the first time I made these. Picture me in my kitchen, surrounded by a cloud of flour, desperately trying to cut out perfect hearts, and looking more like a whirling dervish than the charming baker I aspired to be. But once those cookies came out of the oven, my heart just melted (pun intended!) at how cute they looked, especially with a gooey center of chocolate hazelnut spread.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it! You’ll find that making these cookies is not only fun and rewarding, but they are also incredibly easy. Plus, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cookies filling up your kitchen—it’s like a warm hug for your senses!
What’s in Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cookie dough. I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour for a slightly more wholesome feel, but either works perfectly.
Baking Soda: This little leavening agent helps our cookies rise and gives them that soft-chewy texture we crave.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt elevates the sweetness of the cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: We’re using softened butter here to create that delightful, fluffy texture. I like to stick with unsalted because you can control the saltiness of the cookies better.
Granulated Sugar: This contributes to the sweetness and helps achieve that slight crispiness on the edges.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor that you can’t resist.
Vanilla Extract: Oh, the aromatic goodness! It’s like adding a warm hug to our cookies.
Large Egg: This binds our ingredients together and brings a lovely richness to the dough.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the stars of the show! I always recommend using high-quality chocolate chips for an extra touch of decadence.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: A dollop of this heavenly spread in the center makes each bite a creamy dream.
Heart-Shaped Sprinkles: Because what’s a heart-shaped cookie without sprinkles to make it oh-so-festive?
Is Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health. While these cookies are definitely a treat rather than a health food, they do have a few redeeming qualities.
Dark Chocolate: The semi-sweet chocolate chips bring along some antioxidants that can be beneficial in moderation.
Butter: Sure, it’s rich in calories, but butter also provides vitamins A, D, E, and K. Moderation is key here, friends!
The downside? Well, sugar levels can spike thanks to the granulated and brown sugars. It’s best to enjoy these cookies as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to adjust the amount or try half the sugar for a more balanced version!
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (for topping)
– 1/4 cup heart-shaped sprinkles
*Serves: Approximately 24 cookies*
How to Make Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Don’t overmix—trust me, less is more here!
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, feeling free to taste a few along the way (cook’s privilege!).
7. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, scoop out portions of the dough and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Once out of the oven, press a small dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. The gooey goodness is essential!
10. Sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles over the cookies while the chocolate spread is still soft for that Instagram-worthy finish.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy these delicious Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies—they’re a sweet delight for sure!
Cookie Love: Serving Suggestions & Tips
If you’re planning to gift these cookies, package them in cute little boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with a sweet ribbon. They make for fantastic homemade gifts! You can also try switching out the chocolate hazelnut spread for peanut butter or almond butter for different flavor twists.
Oh, and if you’ve got cookie dough left over, don’t fret! It can easily be frozen for up to a month. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer it to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without defrosting—how convenient is that?
So, roll up your sleeves and get baking! Trust me, these cookies will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. When you try them out, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out! Happy baking, friends!
