There is something utterly magical about sharing treats shaped like little tokens of love, and these Heart-Shaped Churros Coated in Strawberry Sugar with Chocolate Dip Recipe are exactly that kind of delight. Imagine crispy, golden churros gently kissed by a vibrant strawberry sugar coating and paired with a luscious, silky chocolate dip that will have everyone around the table asking for seconds. This recipe combines simplicity with stunning presentation, making it perfect for celebrations or just a joyful afternoon indulgence. With every bite, you experience a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and smooth richness that turns an everyday snack into an unforgettable moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these delicious hearts is easier than you think! Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the rich dough that crisps beautifully in hot oil to the strawberry sugar that adds a fruity twist and the chocolate dip that perfectly complements the flavor.
- 1/2 cup water: The essential base for your churro dough, providing the moisture needed to mix the flour into a perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (vegan): Adds gentle sweetness and helps with caramelization during frying.
- 1 pinch salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Gives richness and slight tropical undertones to the dough.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the churro dough, making it crispy yet tender inside.
- Frying oil: Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying results.
- 2 tablespoons white sugar: For the strawberry sugar coating; sweet and simple.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry powder (ground freeze-dried strawberries): Adds natural fruit flavor and vibrant color to the sugar coating.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or baking chocolate: Melts into a luscious, dreamy dip.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds shine.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Churros Coated in Strawberry Sugar with Chocolate Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by heating water, sugar, salt, and coconut oil in a pot until the sugar fully dissolves. This mixture forms the warm, aromatic base of your churro dough. Remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. The dough will come together quickly, thick and smooth. Let it cool just enough so you can handle it comfortably without burning your fingers.
Step 2: Pipe your heart-shaped churros
Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip with your churro dough. Pipe out 5-inch long ropes onto parchment paper. To create charming heart shapes, gently join two ropes by pressing their ends together at one point so they curve into hearts. This lovely shape brings a playful, romantic touch to your churros and makes them irresistible.
Step 3: Fry the churros
Heat your frying oil in a pot deep enough for the churros to swim freely without overcrowding. Carefully add the heart-shaped churros in batches and fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. To check for doneness, test a piece to make sure the inside is fully cooked; if raw, your oil is too hot and should be lowered. Remove the churro hearts and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and light.
Step 4: Coat with strawberry sugar
Mix the white sugar with strawberry powder on a deep plate for an even coating surface. While the churros are still warm, roll each heart in the strawberry sugar mixture so every nook and cranny is covered. This coating imbues them with a beautiful pink blush and a subtle fruity zing that elevates the classic churro flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the chocolate dip
Using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips along with the teaspoon of coconut oil. The coconut oil lends extra gloss and smoothness, making the dip perfect for dunking. Serve the chocolate sauce warm alongside your strawberry-coated churros for an irresistible pairing that’s bound to brighten any snack time or celebration.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Churros Coated in Strawberry Sugar with Chocolate Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry flakes or edible rose petals around the serving plate for an elegant finish that echoes the sweetness of the coating. You could also dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy touch that contrasts the bright pink sugar perfectly.
Side Dishes
These churros work wonderfully paired with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries to echo the strawberry sugar flavor. A light mint leaf garnish on the side adds fresh aromatic notes which complement the richness of the chocolate dip and crispy churros beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the churros stacked in a heart-shaped bowl or woven basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look. For a party, place individual churro hearts on skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing, or even arrange them on a dessert platter spelling out a sweet message. The strawberry sugar’s bright color naturally creates a showstopper presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. They are best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy texture diminishes over time.
Freezing
To preserve your churros longer, freeze them uncoated on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. They can keep for up to one month. Avoid freezing with the strawberry sugar coating to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover churros in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture. Once warm, toss them again in the strawberry sugar mix before serving with freshly warmed chocolate dip.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of strawberry powder for the coating?
Yes, but the strawberry powder adds a unique fruity flavor and color that makes these churros special. Without it, you miss that bright, tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate dip.
Is it possible to bake these churros instead of frying?
While traditional churros are fried for that signature crispness, you can try baking them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes. Keep in mind they won’t be as crispy or golden but will still taste delicious with the strawberry sugar coating.
What if I don’t have a pastry bag with a star tip?
No worries! A zip-front plastic bag with a small hole cut at the corner works just fine. The star tip creates the classic ridged texture but the flavor and fun shape remain intact regardless.
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another oil?
You can swap coconut oil with vegetable or canola oil when frying, but the coconut oil in the dough and chocolate dip adds a lovely aroma and richness that’s worth trying for the fullest flavor experience.
How do I make sure the churros cook evenly inside?
Maintaining the correct oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C) is key. Test one churro first; if it browns too fast but stays raw inside, lower the heat slightly and cook a bit longer for a perfect crispy exterior and tender center.
Final Thoughts
Making Heart-Shaped Churros Coated in Strawberry Sugar with Chocolate Dip Recipe is a joyful way to bring a little celebration into any day. From the cozy warmth of the dough to the flirtatious sweetness of the strawberry sugar and the indulgent chocolate dip, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied cravings. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start creating these charming treats that are sure to impress your friends, family, and even yourself.
PrintHeart-Shaped Churros Coated in Strawberry Sugar with Chocolate Dip Recipe
Delight in these charming heart-shaped churros coated in sweet strawberry sugar and served with a luscious homemade chocolate sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these vegan-friendly churros offer a fun, romantic twist on a classic fried treat, perfect for sharing or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (vegan)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Frying Oil
- Enough vegetable oil for deep frying
Strawberry Sugar Coating
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon strawberry powder (ground freeze-dried strawberries)
Chocolate Sauce
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a pot, heat the water, sugar, salt, and coconut oil over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the all-purpose flour vigorously until a dough forms. Allow the dough to cool down until it is safe to handle.
- Shape the churros: Transfer the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 5-inch-long ropes onto parchment paper. Create heart shapes by combining two ropes per heart, gently pressing ends together to seal.
- Fry the churros: Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pot to allow the churros to float freely, maintaining a moderate temperature to avoid burning. Carefully drop the heart-shaped churros into the hot oil in batches, frying each for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the churros onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Adjust oil temperature if churros are undercooked inside.
- Coat with strawberry sugar: Combine the white sugar and strawberry powder on a deep plate. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the strawberry sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Prepare the chocolate sauce: In a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil until smooth and glossy. Serve warm alongside the strawberry-coated churros for dipping.
Notes
- Use vegan-certified sugar to keep the recipe plant-based.
- Ensure oil temperature is around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
- Freeze-dried strawberries can be easily ground using a spice grinder or food processor.
- Adjust the sugar and strawberry powder ratio for desired sweetness and flavor intensity.
- Chocolate sauce can be substituted with vegan caramel or fruit sauce if preferred.