This warm and comforting drink is perfect for cozy nights or festive occasions. It’s thick, creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor!

Making Champurrado with chocolate, cinnamon, and masa is a simple and cozy treat. It’s a thick and creamy drink, perfect for colder days or holiday gatherings. The chocolate gives it a rich flavor, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting touch.

It’s easy to prepare, and my family loves it! The drink comes together quickly and fills the house with a delicious smell. I enjoy making it for special occasions or just when we want something warm and comforting.

For serving, you can enjoy it with some sweet bread or cookies on the side. This drink is perfect to share with friends and family, making any gathering feel extra special.

What is Champurrado?

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican drink made from masa (corn dough), chocolate, and spices like cinnamon. It has a thick, creamy texture and a rich, sweet flavor that comes from the combination of chocolate and corn. It is often enjoyed during colder weather, especially around holidays like Christmas and Día de los Muertos.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk (or water for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
• 2 ounces Mexican chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate if unavailable)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium Pot
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Grater or Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Ladle

How to Make Champurrado

Step 1:

In a medium pot, whisk together the masa harina and a bit of the milk until smooth and no lumps remain. Add the remaining milk and continue whisking to combine.

Step 2:

Place the pot over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking. Bring it to a simmer.

Step 3:

Break the Mexican chocolate into pieces and add it to the pot along with the cinnamon stick. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and combined.

Step 4:

Add sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the drink simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5:

Remove the cinnamon stick and serve the champurrado hot in mugs. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.

Tips

• If possible, use traditional Mexican chocolate (like Abuelita or Ibarra) for an authentic taste. It has a rich flavor and is often sweetened with cinnamon, which adds depth to your drink.

• Taste your champurrado as you cook and adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar, or if you like it sweeter, add more.

• For a richer and creamier texture, use full-fat milk. You can also substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

• Be sure to whisk the masa harina thoroughly with the milk before heating. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety drink.

• Allow the champurrado to simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the chocolate and sugar. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the drink a rich consistency.

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon in addition to the cinnamon stick. This will make the champurrado even more aromatic.

• If you prefer an even smoother texture, you can blend the champurrado before serving. This helps break up any remaining lumps of masa or chocolate.

How to enjoy Champurrado?

Champurrado is best enjoyed warm, especially on a cold day. You can sip it in a cozy mug while you relax at home. The creamy texture and sweet, rich flavor make it the perfect drink to enjoy during the colder months or in front of a fire.

It pairs wonderfully with Mexican pastries like pan dulce (sweet bread), conchas, or tamales. The soft, sweet pastries go great with the thick and chocolatey champurrado, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. The combination is delicious and filling.

If you’re celebrating a holiday or special occasion, champurrado is a great drink to serve. It’s often shared with friends and family during Christmas or other festive events. You can also add a little spice, like cayenne pepper, to give it an extra kick, but it’s tasty on its own as well.

How to Store

To store Champurrado, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to stir it well, as it can thicken when cooled. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk or water to adjust the consistency to your liking.

FAQ

Can I make it dairy-free?

• Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk and a dairy-free cream to make it dairy-free.

Is Champurrado thick or runny?

• Champurrado is traditionally thick and creamy, due to the masa harina (corn flour). It has a rich, velvety texture.

Can I make Champurrado without masa harina?

• Masa harina is essential for the texture of champurrado. If you can’t find it, you might try using cornstarch as a thickening agent, but the texture won’t be the same.

Can I add more sweetness?

• Yes, you can add more sugar or sweeteners like honey or agave syrup to suit your taste.

Can I use water instead of milk?

• Yes, you can use water instead of milk for a lighter version. However, milk gives it a creamier, richer taste.

Can I make Champurrado spicier?

• Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chili for some heat. This adds a nice kick to the drink.

Can I add vanilla to Champurrado?

• Yes, adding vanilla extract can give it a nice, aromatic flavor, enhancing the taste.

Can I use pre-made masa dough instead of masa harina?

• It’s best to use masa harina, but if you have pre-made masa dough, you can dissolve it in a bit of warm water before adding it to the milk.

Conclusion

This Mexican Champurrado is a warm and tasty drink that’s perfect for cold days. It’s made with chocolate, cinnamon, and masa, giving it a thick and creamy texture. Whether you’re having it on a chilly evening or with friends and family, Champurrado is sure to be a favorite!

Champurrado Recipe

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: DrinksCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

This warm and comforting drink is perfect for cozy nights or festive occasions. It’s thick, creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk (or water for a lighter version)

• 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)

• 2 ounces Mexican chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate if unavailable)

• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• In a medium pot, whisk together the masa harina and a bit of the milk until smooth and no lumps remain. Add the remaining milk and continue whisking to combine.
• Place the pot over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking. Bring it to a simmer.
• Break the Mexican chocolate into pieces and add it to the pot along with the cinnamon stick. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and combined.
• Add sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the drink simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Remove the cinnamon stick and serve the champurrado hot in mugs. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.

Notes

• Taste your champurrado as you cook and adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar, or if you like it sweeter, add more.