If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate love or just want to surprise your family with something special, these heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate are the perfect treat. Made from golden, crisp choux dough and shaped into adorable hearts, these churros are coated in cinnamon sugar and dipped in a rich, velvety Mexican chocolate sauce. In this post, I’ll walk you through the story behind this dish, the ingredients you’ll need, easy step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving or storing. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a Tuesday, this is a recipe that turns moments into memories.
Baking Hearts in a Multigenerational Kitchen
I still remember the first time Grandma showed me how to fry churros. It wasn’t February, and it wasn’t a holiday. It was just a chilly afternoon when my daughter had come home from school with heart stickers stuck to her backpack, announcing, “I love hearts!” Grandma smiled, winked, and said, “Then we’ll make heart-shaped churros.”
In our house, dessert doesn’t wait for an occasion. It’s our way of pausing life, gathering in the kitchen, and laughing until the sugar bowl spills. Heart-shaped churros have since become a little tradition we bring out every now and then—especially when someone needs a little extra love on their plate.
This version of heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate combines the best of both worlds: crispy, golden pastry and a warm, slightly spicy Mexican chocolate sauce that Grandma insists is “the only real way” to enjoy churros. Shaping the churros into hearts might sound fussy, but I promise, it’s easier than it looks—and the payoff is huge when your little one squeals seeing a churro shaped just for her.
I’ve shared a lot of sweet memories in our kitchen, but this one holds a special place. From the fragrant swirl of cinnamon sugar to the rich chocolate dipping sauce with a hint of spice, every bite feels like a warm hug from our multigenerational kitchen to yours.
Why Heart-Shaped Churros Are Worth the Effort
Let’s be real—shaping churros into hearts isn’t something you’ll do every day. But for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or just when your daughter’s had a tough week at school, these heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate deliver the kind of comfort and joy no store-bought sweet can match.
This recipe uses classic choux dough (yes, the same base as cream puffs), so you get churros that are crisp on the outside and airy inside. The secret to keeping their shape? Piping them onto parchment first. Then, a quick fry, a roll in cinnamon sugar, and you’re ready to dip them into that thick, glossy Mexican chocolate sauce—dark, creamy, and enhanced with a touch of spice if you’re feeling bold.
Whether you’re making these for a romantic evening or just to add some fun to a rainy day, they’re guaranteed to win hearts.
Ingredients for Heart-Shaped Churros with Sauce Chocolate
What You’ll Need for Perfect Churros
Making heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate starts with pantry staples. You likely have most of these on hand already. The key is to use high-quality butter and good chocolate for the sauce—it truly makes a difference. Here’s everything broken down so you don’t miss a thing.
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Mexican Chocolate Sauce:
- 200g (about 7 oz) good quality dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional: A pinch of chili powder for an authentic Mexican touch
Pro Tips on Choosing Ingredients
- Flour matters: Always sift your flour before mixing to avoid clumps and ensure the dough is smooth.
- Chocolate choice: For a bold flavor, go with 70% dark chocolate. For a milder taste kids love, try milk chocolate.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili powder in the sauce brings that traditional Mexican flair—but it’s totally optional.
And don’t forget to have strong parchment paper ready. That’s how your churros keep their shape during frying.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Churros with Sauce Chocolate
Step-by-Step: Shaping, Frying, and Dipping
Don’t let the heart shape intimidate you. This recipe walks you through everything—from making the choux dough to frying safely and finishing with that dreamy Mexican chocolate sauce. Here’s how to bring this love-filled dessert to life in your own kitchen.
Let’s Make the Dough and Form the Hearts
Step 1: Boil the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring it to a full boil over medium heat, stirring to fully dissolve the sugar and melt the butter.
Step 2: Stir in the Flour
Immediately remove the pan from heat and dump in 1 cup sifted flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Let the dough cool for 5–10 minutes. Then beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, using a stand mixer or by hand. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth and pipeable.
Step 4: Pipe Heart Shapes
Transfer dough into a piping bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M or Ateco 845). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe heart shapes, making sure ends connect firmly. Cut around each shape for easier handling.
Frying and Finishing with Chocolate Sauce
Step 5: Fry the Hearts
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the piped hearts (with parchment attached) into the oil. After 30 seconds, peel off and discard the parchment. Fry until golden, 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Drain churros briefly on paper towels, then immediately roll in a shallow dish of 1/2 cup sugar + 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon while still warm. Set aside.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over 200g chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add a pinch of chili powder, if using.
Serving, Variations, and Storage Ideas for Heart-Shaped Churros with Sauce Chocolate
How to Serve Them Like a Pro
These heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate are best served warm, right after frying and coating. The contrast of crisp cinnamon sugar and warm, velvety chocolate is unbeatable.
To serve them in a way that impresses:
- Stack churros in a heart shape on a serving platter.
- Pour the chocolate sauce into a ramekin or espresso cup.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the entire plate.
- For special occasions, top with edible rose petals or a touch of sea salt on the chocolate for a gourmet touch.
This dessert is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversary dinners, or fun weekend projects with the kids. Serve with Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or even horchata for a full-on fiesta.
Fun Variations and Storage Tips
There are so many ways to customize this recipe without losing that classic churro vibe. Here are a few ideas:
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate churros.
- Stuffed churros: Fill a piping bag with dulce de leche or Nutella and pipe it into the churros using a skewer once cooled.
- Different dips: Swap chocolate sauce for strawberry sauce, cajeta (goat’s milk caramel), or even peanut butter ganache.
Shape Variations:
- Try stars, spirals, or initials for birthdays and parties.
- Make mini hearts for bite-sized treats.
Storage Tips:
- Churros are best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers (undipped) for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
- Don’t refrigerate the sauce—it’s better to store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, then gently reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make heart-shaped churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can pipe the churros onto parchment and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before frying. Don’t fry them too far ahead—fresh churros are always best!
2. How do I keep churros crispy after frying?
Drain them well and avoid stacking them immediately. Place them on a wire rack and keep warm in a 200°F oven if you’re making a big batch.
3. What kind of chocolate is best for the dipping sauce?
Use high-quality dark chocolate (around 60–70% cacao) for an authentic Mexican flavor. Milk chocolate also works if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Can I bake the churros instead of frying?
You can, but they won’t have the same crispy texture. For baked churros, pipe them on a lined tray, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
A Sweet Way to Show Love
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon, heart-shaped churros with sauce chocolate are more than a dessert—they’re a gesture of love. They turn simple ingredients into something heartfelt and festive, and I hope this recipe becomes one of those sweet traditions in your kitchen, too. From my family’s warm, cinnamon-scented kitchen to yours—happy frying and happy dipping!
Print
Heart-Shaped Churros with Sauce Chocolate
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 heart-shaped churros 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy heart-shaped churros coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a rich Mexican chocolate dipping sauce—perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or sweet weekends with family.
Ingredients
1 cup water
6 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Mexican Chocolate Sauce:
200g (about 7 oz) good quality dark or milk chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
Optional: A pinch of chili powder for an authentic Mexican touch
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in flour until a dough ball forms.
3. Cool 5–10 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. Transfer dough to piping bag with star tip. Pipe hearts onto parchment paper.
5. Cut parchment around hearts for easier frying.
6. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry churros parchment-side down. After 30 seconds, peel off parchment.
7. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain and roll in cinnamon sugar.
8. To make the sauce, heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth. Add chili powder if using.
9. Serve churros warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Make churros just before serving for best texture.
Use strong parchment paper for clean heart shapes.
For a spicy kick, don’t skip the chili powder in the sauce.
You can pipe and chill the hearts in advance, then fry when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg