If you have a sweet tooth and love the nostalgic taste of cookie dough, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe. These little gems combine the creamy, buttery richness of classic cookie dough with plenty of chocolate chips, all shaped into adorable hearts that are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a playful dessert to share with loved ones, this recipe hits the perfect note of indulgence and charm with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component is crucial, bringing together that ideal balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor that makes cookie dough irresistible. From creamy butter to melty chocolate, these everyday pantry staples team up to create something truly magical.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the perfect creamy foundation and richness for the dough.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and a slight crunch to the texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel flavor and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic sweetness that lifts the whole recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated): Safe flour is vital since this dough is eaten raw, and it gives structure to the hearts.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps bind the dough perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips: Scattered throughout the dough for melty little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melts): For coating the cookie dough hearts in a shiny, irresistible chocolate shell.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): Helps create a smooth, glossy finish on the chocolate coating.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough Base
Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it ensures your cookie dough hearts will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding the vanilla extract next lets the dough develop a lovely aromatic flavor that’s a signature for every cookie lover.
Step 2: Mix in Flour and Condensed Milk
Gradually blend in the heat-treated flour, making sure it is safe to eat raw, and then pour in the sweetened condensed milk. The condensed milk adds a smooth creaminess that keeps the dough moist and delicious. Stir everything together until a soft, pliable dough forms that’s easy to shape but not too sticky.
Step 3: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These tiny chocolate morsels will deliver delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite, making the hearts extra special and irresistible.
Step 4: Shape the Cookie Dough Hearts
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into heart shapes about 1 inch thick. Place the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep their shape intact as you work on the chocolate coating. This step is where the fun really begins—getting those cute little hearts just right feels so satisfying!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the shaped hearts in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm them up, which is key so they won’t melt when you dip them into the warm chocolate.
Step 6: Melt and Temper the Chocolate
While your cookie dough hearts chill, melt the semisweet or milk chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir consistently for a smooth, shiny chocolate coating perfect for dipping.
Step 7: Dip and Coat the Cookie Dough Hearts
Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and return the dipped hearts to the parchment-lined tray. The combination of creamy raw cookie dough inside and crisp chocolate outside creates an indulgent treat that everyone will adore.
Step 8: Set and Chill the Finished Hearts
Chill the chocolate-coated cookie dough hearts in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets completely, about 15 minutes. Once set, these treats are ready to share or stash away for a sweet craving emergency!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the freshly dipped chocolate coating to balance the sweetness with a subtle savory note. You can also get creative by adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter right after coating for a festive touch that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookie dough hearts pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For grown-up gatherings, serve them alongside a cup of rich espresso or hot cocoa to complement the sweet, creamy flavors with a warm, comforting drink.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a lovely presentation. You can also package them individually in mini cello bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors or thoughtful gifts that show just how much you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookie dough hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled is important so the chocolate coating remains firm and the dough inside stays perfectly creamy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the coated hearts on a baking sheet until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This method prevents sticking and preserves their shape. Frozen cookie dough hearts will keep well for up to 3 months, making them a convenient, make-ahead sweet snack.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookie dough hearts, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving since it can melt the chocolate unevenly. For best texture, serve them chilled or at room temperature so the gooey cookie dough centers remain intact and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of heat-treated flour?
While typical flour is fine for baking, this recipe uses raw cookie dough, so it’s important to use heat-treated flour to eliminate any harmful bacteria and ensure it’s safe to eat as is. You can heat-treat your own flour at home by baking it in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F.
What’s the best way to soften the butter?
Leave the butter out at room temperature for about an hour before starting your recipe. It should be soft to the touch but not melted. This makes it easier to cream with sugar and creates a smooth dough texture.
Can I substitute the condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the texture and sweetness of this cookie dough, but if you need an alternative, you might try sweetened coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will be a bit different.
How can I make the chocolate coating shiny?
The addition of a tablespoon of coconut oil when melting the chocolate helps create a glossy finish that’s smooth and firm when set. Stir the chocolate thoroughly as it melts and avoid overheating to maintain that shine.
Are these cookie dough hearts gluten-free?
They are not unless you use a gluten-free heat-treated flour blend. If you have dietary restrictions, opt for a gluten-free flour that’s been heat-treated so everyone can enjoy this delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe safely.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is such a joyful experience, whether you’re crafting them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat. Their creamy texture, chocolatey goodness, and charming heart shape combine to create a dessert that’s pure happiness in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to indulgences to share with family and friends.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts, a perfect no-bake treat featuring safe-to-eat cookie dough combined with sweetened condensed milk and mini chocolate chips, then coated in melted chocolate for a smooth and decadent finish. Ideal for sharing or gifting, these heart-shaped delights capture the essence of classic cookie dough in a convenient, charming form.
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 heat-treated flour: To ensure the flour is safe to eat, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and condensed milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine flour and mini chocolate chips: Gradually add the heat-treated flour into the wet mixture and fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed to form the dough.
- Shape into hearts: Using your hands or a mold, shape the dough into heart shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the semisweet or milk chocolate chips together with the coconut oil (if using) until smooth and glossy.
- Coat cookie dough hearts: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled heart-shaped dough piece into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place them back on parchment paper to set.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the coated cookie dough hearts until the chocolate hardens, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once set, these cookie dough hearts are ready to be enjoyed or packaged as gifts.
Notes
- Heat-treating the flour is essential for safety as it kills harmful bacteria.
- Use coconut oil to make the chocolate coating smoother and shinier, but it is optional.
- Store the finished cookie dough hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- For easier shaping, chill the dough before molding into hearts.
- You can substitute chocolate melts with high-quality baking chocolate for the coating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for heat-treating flour)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
