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Chocolate Chip Heart-Shaped Cut Out Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

Delight in these easy-to-make Chocolate Chip Cut Out Cookies that combine the soft batter of classic chocolate chip cookies with the fun of cut-out shapes. Made with a rich, buttery base, espresso powder for a subtle depth of flavor, and plenty of melty chocolate chips, these cookies are baked in a pan, then cut into charming heart shapes. Perfect for a cozy treat or a festive occasion when decorated with Nutella, sprinkles, and flaky sea salt.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 large cut-out cookies

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (can use Starbucks Via)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Mix-ins and Toppings

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Nutella (optional, for frosting)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
  • Big, flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 8×8-inch brownie pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully combined.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, instant espresso powder, baking powder, and baking soda over the wet ingredients.
  5. Mix Until Just Combined: Beat the mixture only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to over-mix to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir the chocolate chips into the batter evenly.
  7. Press and Bake: Press the cookie batter evenly into the prepared brownie pan and bake for 15 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges but avoid over-baking to maintain softness.
  8. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the cookie slab to cool completely in the pan, which makes cutting easier.
  9. Cut Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 4 cookies from the cooled slab.
  10. Decorate: Optionally frost the cut-out cookies with Nutella and decorate with sprinkles and flaky sea salt for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Use instant espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully before cutting to retain shape and prevent crumbling.
  • Pressing batter into a pan creates a thick cookie slab ideal for uniform cut-outs.
  • Optional toppings like Nutella and sprinkles add extra flavor and festive appeal.
  • Ensure not to over-bake; the edges should be only lightly browned to keep cookies soft.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American