Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist the allure of cookie dough — especially when it’s guilt-free and downright delicious. That’s why you’re going to absolutely adore this Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and healthy enough that you can indulge without the usual aftermath of regret. I love how these little hearts come together quickly, with a texture that’s soft and dreamy, all dressed up with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to treat for whenever that cookie dough craving hits!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together into a perfectly balanced dough that’s soft, slightly chewy, and just sweet enough. I always recommend using fresh almond flour for the best texture, and you’ll find that the combo of cashew butter, coconut flour, and maple syrup makes this dough satisfyingly rich without any weird aftertaste.

• Almond flour: Be sure to use finely ground almond flour – it creates that tender cookie dough texture we all love.
• Cashew butter or peanut butter: I prefer cashew butter for its mild flavor, but peanut butter works great too—just pick a smooth variety.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds moisture and depth of flavor, plus it keeps everything vegan.
• Coconut flour: This adds just enough fiber and absorbs moisture perfectly to keep the dough from being sticky.
• Sugar (optional): For those who want a sweeter treat, a little bit of granulated sugar can boost the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: An absolute must for that comforting cookie dough aroma.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and prevents it from tasting flat.
• Mini chocolate chips: I like to fold these in gently so they stay whole and surprise you with every bite.
• Sprinkles: Because who doesn’t love a pop of color on their cookie dough hearts?

Variations

I love that this Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is a blank canvas — so feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I swap out the mini chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried cranberries depending on what I have on hand, and it’s always a hit. Feel adventurous? Try adding a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a flavor twist.

• Nut allergy variation: Substitute sunflower seed butter for cashew or peanut butter, and use gluten-free oat flour instead of almond flour.
• Sweetness level: Adjust the optional sugar amount or add a bit more maple syrup for a sweeter profile without overpowering the natural nuttiness.
• Seasonal fun: Use different themed sprinkles for holidays or birthdays — it’s an easy way to dress them up!

How to Make Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Dough

Start by combining the almond flour, cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut flour, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. I like to use a sturdy spoon or spatula here because the dough can be a bit thick at first. Keep mixing until everything is fully combined and you see an even, slightly sticky dough rolling together. This is the part where you realize it’s going to be amazing — trust me, I’ve gotten just as excited every time I make it!

Step 2: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Next, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly dispersed but don’t break apart. This step ensures every little heart gets that sweet chocolate surprise without it melting—and yes, I’ve accidentally melted chips by overmixing before, so take it slow here!

Step 3: Chill and Shape

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and spread your dough evenly into the pan. Now this is a trick I learned the hard way: press it down firmly so the dough sticks well together — it makes cutting cleaner and easier. Pop it into the freezer for at least 15 minutes; this chill time makes it much simpler to slice without crumbling.

Step 4: Cut into Hearts

When the dough is chilled and firm, lift it out with the parchment and use a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter to press out as many cookie dough hearts as you can. I like to have the kids pitch in here – it’s such a fun, easy activity and they’re always super proud of the fruits of their labor!

Step 5: Melt Chocolate & Decorate

Pop some chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over your cookie dough hearts, then sprinkle on colorful sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm. Another quick chill in the freezer (about 5 minutes) helps everything set beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing these up with bright, festive sprinkles to give them that happy pop of color — it just feels like a little celebration in every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed nuts provides great texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookie dough hearts are perfect with a simple cup of almond milk or your favorite vegan hot chocolate. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside fresh berries for a light-yet-indulgent snack platter—balance is key, right?

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day or birthdays, I like to arrange these cookie dough hearts on a pretty platter over parchment paper, with some edible flowers scattered around for extra charm. Wrapping a handful in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes adorable, thoughtful homemade gifts that never fail to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookie dough hearts in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. I love that because you can grab a quick bite whenever the craving strikes without having to make a new batch every time.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully too! Just pop the cookie dough hearts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they don’t stick together, and they’re easy to pull out one by one for a sweet emergency snack.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them softer after freezing, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. You can also microwave a cookie dough heart for 5-7 seconds, but be careful—not too long or they’ll get melty!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is hands down one of my favorite no-bake treats to make all year round. It feels like a little hug in cookie form — healthy, comforting, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for Valentine’s Day, a kids’ party, or just a cozy night in, I know you’ll love how easy and delightful these mini hearts turn out. Give it a try and let me know how many you end up sneaking before anyone else notices!

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