If you’re looking for a deliciously fun and nostalgic treat that combines the irresistible charm of cookie dough with a playful twist, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is exactly what your dessert cravings need. These adorable hearts are packed with the rich, buttery flavor of cookie dough, studded with mini chocolate chips, and dipped in a smooth chocolate coating that’s simply heavenly. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, gifting to loved ones, or just indulging yourself, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic for this recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building that classic cookie dough taste and achieving the perfect texture and shiny chocolate coating.
- Unsalted butter: Provides creaminess and richness that forms the base of the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the dough.
- Brown sugar: Gives deeper moisture and that classic caramel note to the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Injects warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (heat-treated): Ensures safety while maintaining the perfect dough consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a chewy, sweet binder that keeps the dough together.
- Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of melty chocolate scattered throughout every heart.
- Semisweet or milk chocolate chips: For coating the hearts with a smooth, glossy finish.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps achieve a silky, shiny coating when melting the chocolate chips.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy; this creates the lovely texture you’ll notice in every bite. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Next, gradually add the heat-treated flour and mix gently. Finally, fold in the sweetened condensed milk and mini chocolate chips to complete your edible cookie dough base.
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
Once your dough is ready, chill it for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or your hands, form 12 to 15 bite-sized hearts, depending on your preferred size. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them back in the fridge to firm up while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
For a luscious, smooth finish, melt your semisweet or milk chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until glossy. This step is key to achieving that mouthwatering shine that makes these cookie dough hearts look as good as they taste.
Step 4: Dip and Chill
Dip each chilled cookie dough heart into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat and gently shaking off the excess. Place them back onto parchment paper to set. Pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens into a crisp, shiny shell.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate your cookie dough hearts with a sprinkle of sea salt, edible glitter, or tiny sprinkles for a festive touch that complements the sweet and salty contrast. Fresh berries on the side can also add a beautiful pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These hearts pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee. The creamy beverages balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall experience of this indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookie dough hearts on a charming dessert tray lined with parchment and fresh mint leaves for a rustic touch. For gifting, stack them in decorative boxes with tissue paper or wrap individually in clear cellophane tied with ribbons to spread joy and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days; just be sure to avoid warm spots to prevent melting.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie dough hearts for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight to keep their texture perfect.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed cold for the firm chocolate coating and the chewy dough, avoid reheating. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes if too chilled before serving for the ideal soft bite.
FAQs
Is the cookie dough safe to eat without baking?
Yes! This recipe uses heat-treated flour and no raw eggs, making it completely safe to enjoy as edible cookie dough in the form of these hearts.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough, giving you chocolate in every bite and a better texture for shaping the hearts.
What is the purpose of the sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?
Sweetened condensed milk adds moisture, sweetness, and helps bind the dough together so it holds its heart shape without baking.
Can I substitute coconut oil in the chocolate coating?
Coconut oil is optional but highly recommended for a silky finish and easier dipping. If you skip it, just melt the chocolate carefully to avoid burning and stir well.
How long do these cookie dough hearts last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they stay fresh for about 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is such a rewarding and delightful experience, whether for special moments or everyday indulgence. These little hearts deliver pure joy with their creamy, chocolate-studded goodness and irresistible chocolate coating. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (includes chilling and heat-treating flour)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 hearts depending on size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. Made with safe-to-eat, heat-treated flour and loaded with mini chocolate chips, these no-bake treats are coated in smooth melted chocolate for a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Ideal for occasions like Valentine’s Day or anytime you want a fun twist on classic cookie dough.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated to kill bacteria or use heat-treated flour)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Coating
- 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melts)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour: Heat-treat the flour by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Let it cool completely before using.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until a thick dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Shape the Dough: On a clean surface, flatten the cookie dough to about ½ inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12-15 hearts depending on the size. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, gently melt the semisweet or milk chocolate chips with the tablespoon of coconut oil (if using), stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Coat the Hearts: Remove the cookie dough hearts from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each heart into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Tap off excess chocolate and place the coated hearts back onto parchment paper to set.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated cookie dough hearts for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your sweet treat!
Notes
- Make sure to use heat-treated flour to make the cookie dough safe to eat raw.
- Coconut oil in the coating helps achieve a smoother chocolate finish but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store the cookie dough hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute chocolate melts for the coating chocolate if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.
