Cookies with a Soft Heart

Add semi-sweet chocolate chips (and chopped hazelnuts or almonds if you want to add that Italian touch) to the dough. Mix until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed. 5. Take a bit of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a piece of milk chocolate or a teaspoon of soft chocolate in the center. Cover with another bit of dough and seal the edges, forming a ball with the chocolate heart in the center. Continue in the same way until all the dough is used up. 6. Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. 7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this step will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. 8. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). 9. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to brown but the center remains soft. 10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Trivia

The soft-hearted cookies are a variation of the classic cookie that features an unexpected, melt-in-your-mouth heart at its center. This treat is very common in American bakeries and is often customized with different types of chocolate or even fillings like caramel or peanut butter.

And voilà, your soft-hearted cookies are ready! They are perfect for an afternoon snack or as a dessert after a meal. Accompanied by a glass of cold milk or coffee, they offer a winning combination!