Looking for the perfect treat to wow your loved one this Valentine’s Day? These Heart-Shaped Churros are just the thing! Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, and dusted with cinnamon sugar—what’s not to love? Plus, they’re shaped like hearts to make them even more festive and fun! Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or treating yourself, these churros will fill the air with the sweetest aromas and turn any day into a celebration.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want regular churros again. The heart shape gives them that extra touch of love and whimsy. They’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing, so get ready to fall in love with this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Heart-Shaped Churros
This recipe is all about bringing joy, flavor, and fun to your Valentine’s Day (or any day, really!). Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Fun and Festive: Shaping these churros into hearts makes them extra special. They’re perfect for creating a sweet memory with your loved ones.
Delicious and Addictive: Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly sweet with cinnamon sugar. What’s not to love?
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a pastry expert to make these churros. With a simple dough, a hot pan, and a little bit of cinnamon sugar, you’ll have a treat that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make.
Customizable: You can drizzle them with chocolate, add sprinkles, or dip them in whipped cream. Make them your own! You can even play with the size if you want smaller or bigger churros.
Perfect for Sharing: These churros are made for sharing, making them perfect for a romantic dessert or a fun treat with friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these crispy, sweet heart-shaped churros:
Water & Butter
The base for the churro dough, creating the right texture for that crispy exterior.
Sugar & Cinnamon
The magic dust that transforms ordinary churros into something you can’t stop munching on. Sweet, spicy, and irresistible.
Flour
The dough comes together with just the right amount of flour to give it that perfect texture.
Eggs
To make the churros light and fluffy inside, eggs are a must. They add the richness that balances out the crispy shell.
Salt
A pinch of salt to bring all the flavors together.
Vegetable Oil
For frying! You want the oil nice and hot to get that perfect golden brown crispiness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the good stuff—making these heart-shaped churros!
Heat Your Oil
In a large pan, heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to submerge your churros, but make sure it’s not overflowing. Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer. Once simmering, remove from heat and stir in the flour until the dough comes together. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before adding the eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth.
Shape the Churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Now, to make the hearts! Pipe the dough into heart shapes by piping a small amount of dough and then creating a little curve to form the top of the heart. Connect it at the bottom to make a point. If that sounds tricky, don’t stress—you can also make traditional churro sticks if you prefer.
Fry the Churros
Carefully drop the shaped churros into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the churros are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure they’re well-coated for that signature churro crunch.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these heart-shaped churros warm with a side of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. They’re perfect as a special dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the breakdown for each serving of these sweet, crispy churros:
- Servings: 4 (Based on about 4 churros per serving)
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Here’s how long it will take to make these churros:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Churros
These churros are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
Chocolate Sauce: A rich, velvety chocolate sauce is the ultimate dipping companion for churros. You can even sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Whipped Cream: For a lighter, creamy pairing, serve your churros with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or mascarpone.
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the churros.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream makes this treat even more indulgent!
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make your heart-shaped churros even more amazing:
Use a Thermometer: The oil needs to be hot enough to get that crispy exterior. A thermometer is your best friend for making sure it’s just right.
Let the Oil Drain: After frying, be sure to let the churros drain on a paper towel to avoid excess oil. You want them crispy, not greasy!
Make Ahead: You can prep the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just pipe and fry them up!
Custom Flavors: Try adding vanilla extract or a little citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different spices in the cinnamon-sugar coating—cardamom, maybe?
Storage Tips: Leftover churros can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven to crisp them up again.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make the churros in different shapes?
A1: Absolutely! While we love the heart shape for Valentine’s Day, you can make them into traditional sticks or even rings—just pipe them to your desired shape!
Q2: Can I make these churros gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and they should turn out just as delicious.
Q3: How do I store leftover churros?
A3: Store leftover churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Q4: Can I use a different sugar coating?
A4: Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use a mix of powdered sugar or even try some chocolate dusting.
Q5: Can I make the churros without a piping bag?
A5: Yes, if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Or, simply roll the dough into small logs by hand.
Q6: Can I make these churros in advance?
A6: While churros are best served fresh, you can prep the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pipe and fry when you’re ready!
Q7: Can I fry the churros in a deep fryer?
A7: Yes! If you have a deep fryer, you can use that instead of a pan. Just make sure to follow the same temperature and cooking time.
Q8: How do I make the cinnamon-sugar coating stick?
A8: Toss the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture right after frying while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick better.
Q9: What dipping sauces can I serve with churros?
A9: Chocolate, caramel, and dulce de leche are classic options. You could also try a tangy raspberry or strawberry sauce for a fruity twist.
Q10: Can I freeze churros?
A10: Yes! Once fried, let the churros cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Conclusion
These Heart-Shaped Churros are the perfect way to add some sweetness to your Valentine’s Day (or any day, really). They’re simple to make, fun to shape, and totally irresistible. So, go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these warm, crispy churros. You’ll be hooked, and so will everyone who takes a bite!
PrintHeart-Shaped Churros
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
Description
These heart-shaped churros are the perfect romantic treat for Valentine’s Day! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, they’re a sweet way to show your love. Serve them with chocolate dipping sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the Churro Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, 2 tbsp sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add flour and stir until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once the dough has cooled enough to handle, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the Churros: Fill a piping bag with the churro dough and attach a large star tip. Pipe heart-shaped churros onto a piece of parchment paper. Carefully transfer the churros into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros and drain them on paper towels.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon. Roll the fried churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.
- Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an extra indulgence, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth and melted.
- Serve: Serve the heart-shaped churros with the chocolate dipping sauce for dipping and enjoy the sweetness of love!
Notes
- Be sure to use a star tip when piping the churros to get the signature churro texture.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with the tip cut off.
- The churros are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish/Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg