Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these heart-shaped churros are coated in aromatic cinnamon sugar and served with a rich dulce de leche dip. Perfect for romantic occasions, holidays, or as a festive treat to share, they combine classic churro flavor with a charming visual twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These churros are not only delicious but also visually appealing and fun to make. Their heart shape makes them perfect for celebrations, while the cinnamon-sugar coating and luscious dulce de leche dip deliver indulgent satisfaction in every bite. With a straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients, this recipe turns a street food classic into a memorable homemade dessert.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Churros:

• 1 cup water

• 2 1/2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Dip:

• 1/2 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)

directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and oil. Bring to a boil.

2. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Mix until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides.

3. Allow the dough to cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

5. Pipe the dough into heart shapes on small squares of parchment paper for easy handling.

6. Using tongs or a spatula, gently lower the shaped dough into the hot oil, paper-side up. Remove the parchment as it detaches and fry churros for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

7. Remove churros from oil and drain on paper towels.

8. While still warm, toss churros in a cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

9. Warm the dulce de leche slightly before serving. Serve churros immediately with the dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 heart-shaped churros.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Dip: Serve with a rich chocolate ganache or Nutella instead of dulce de leche.

• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor.

• Mini Hearts: Make smaller churros for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties.

• Stuffed Churros: Pipe a bit of dulce de leche into the center after frying for an extra surprise.

• Baked Option: Pipe onto a parchment-lined tray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, though the texture will be less crispy.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but cooled churros can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

The dough is best piped and fried fresh. You can prepare it an hour in advance and keep it covered at room temperature.

What kind of piping tip should I use?

A large star tip (such as Ateco 828 or Wilton 1M) gives churros their signature ridges and texture.

Can I freeze churros?

It’s best to freeze them after frying. Reheat in the oven to return the crispiness.

How do I keep churros from becoming soggy?

Drain well after frying and toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm but not oily.

Can I use a different sugar for coating?

Yes, brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.

Is it possible to make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Note that texture may vary slightly.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, are best.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No, a deep saucepan or skillet with at least 2 inches of oil works perfectly.

Can I make other shapes?

Absolutely—pipe letters, rings, or spirals for creative variations.

How do I thin the dulce de leche?

Warm it slightly with a tablespoon of milk or cream to achieve a dip-friendly consistency.

Conclusion

Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip are an irresistible blend of crispy texture, warm spice, and rich sweetness. Whether made for Valentine’s Day, a romantic dessert, or a charming addition to a dessert platter, these churros offer both taste and visual appeal. Easy to make and fun to serve, they’re sure to become a favorite treat to share.