Why You’ll Love Heart Churros Recipe

Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
Quick prep and cook time – ready in under 30 minutes
Heart shape makes them perfect for romantic or festive occasions
Crisp outside and soft, chewy interior
Delicious when paired with chocolate, caramel, or fruit dips
Fun project for baking with kids or loved ones
Customizable with different sugars or fillings
Great alternative to cookies or cake for gifting
No fancy equipment required – just a piping bag and star tip
Crowd-pleasing and photo-ready dessert

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

water
sugar
salt
all-purpose flour
vegetable oil
granulated sugar (for coating)
ground cinnamon (for coating)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and salt to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the flour and vegetable oil until a dough forms.
Allow the dough to cool slightly, then transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
Pipe heart-shaped churros directly into the hot oil, using a spoon or knife to cut the dough at the tip.
Fry each churro for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
While still warm, roll churros in a cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 12 heart-shaped churros
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a lighter coating
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar for a unique twist
Serve with warm chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or berry sauce
Fill churros after frying with pastry cream, Nutella, or fruit jam using a piping bag
Try gluten-free flour blends suitable for choux-style dough for dietary needs
Add a teaspoon of vanilla or citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor
Sprinkle edible glitter over the sugar coating for festive sparkle
Make mini heart churros for party platters or gifts

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the exterior and removes the crispness
Do not refrigerate, as it can dry out the dough
Freeze unfried dough shapes on a tray, then store in freezer bags for later frying

FAQs

What are churros made of?

Churros are made from a simple dough of water, flour, sugar, salt, and oil, then deep-fried and coated in sugar.

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

You can use a strong plastic bag with the corner snipped off, but a piping bag with a star tip gives the classic churro look and texture.

Is it possible to bake churros instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake churros at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, but they may be less crispy than the fried version.

How do I keep churros from getting soggy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can drop the temperature and result in soggier churros.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered at room temperature. Pipe and fry just before serving for the best texture.

Why are my churros hollow inside?

A hollow center usually means the oil was too hot, causing the outside to cook too quickly before the inside could fully expand and cook through.

What can I serve churros with?

Classic churros pair wonderfully with chocolate sauce, caramel dip, whipped cream, or even vanilla ice cream.

Can I flavor the sugar coating?

Absolutely. Add spices like pumpkin spice, cocoa powder, or even crushed freeze-dried berries to customize the coating.

Are heart churros good for kids’ parties?

Yes, they are fun, kid-friendly treats that can be made into mini hearts for easier handling and portioning.

How do I pipe perfect heart shapes?

Practice a few on parchment paper first. Pipe two connected curves into a point, like drawing a heart, then carefully transfer the shape into the oil or freeze briefly before frying.

Conclusion

Heart churros are a delightful blend of tradition and creativity, offering a sweet way to express affection through food. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a celebration, or a cozy night in, these heart-shaped treats are guaranteed to bring smiles. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and delicious to eat, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.