Cozy Champurrado Recipe: Silky Mexican Hot Chocolate Magic

Warm and comforting, this creamy champurrado recipe brings the rich traditions of Mexican hot chocolate to your kitchen.

Thick chocolate blends seamlessly with masa harina, creating a velvety drink that warms you from the inside out.

Generations of families have cherished this hearty beverage during cold mornings and festive celebrations.

The sweet aroma of cinnamon and chocolate will fill your home with memories of traditional Mexican gatherings.

Piloncillo sugar adds depth and complexity to this beloved drink.

Craft this classic beverage and transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every delicious sip.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming champurrado that connects you to centuries of culinary heritage.

Champurrado Standout Features

• Champurrado wraps you in warmth like a cozy Mexican hug, perfect for chilly days or when you need instant comfort.
• This traditional drink requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
• Dive into authentic Mexican culinary traditions with this rich, chocolatey beverage that tells a delicious story of heritage and flavor.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, champurrado delivers a luxurious, creamy experience without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Champurrado Ingredient Essentials

• Milk: A creamy foundation that provides richness and smooth texture to the champurrado.
• Piloncillo: A traditional Mexican unrefined sugar that adds deep, complex sweetness.
• Chocolate: Dark or Mexican chocolate that gives the drink its signature rich flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: Adds warm, aromatic spice and depth to the beverage.

• Masa Harina: A corn flour that creates the traditional thick and creamy consistency of champurrado.
• Water: Used to blend masa harina into a smooth mixture.

• Vanilla, Salt: Adds depth and balances the overall sweetness of the drink.

Tools That Make Champurrado a Breeze

• Saucepan: Large, heavy-bottomed pot for heating and simmering the champurrado.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing masa harina smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Immersion Blender: Optional tool for creating extra silky texture at the end.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and ensuring ingredients don't stick to bottom of pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like masa harina and vanilla.
• Strainer: Helpful for removing cinnamon stick and ensuring smooth consistency.

How to Create the Perfect Champurrado

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Base

• Milk
• Piloncillo
• Chocolate
• Cinnamon stick

Heat the mixture on medium, stirring constantly until the piloncillo and chocolate melt into a smooth, fragrant liquid.

The cinnamon will infuse a warm, spicy aroma throughout the base.

Step 2: Strain and Cleanse

Remove the cinnamon stick from the chocolatey mixture.

If you spot any floating bits, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky-smooth texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Masa Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk masa harina with warm water until you create a lump-free, creamy mixture.

• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Blend everything together, making sure the masa integrates seamlessly into the liquid.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat to low and let the champurrado simmer gently.

Whisk frequently to prevent any bottom-burning or clumping.

Watch for the perfect consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon and have a luxurious, velvety texture.

This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance and Serve

For an extra silky finish, use an immersion blender to whip the champurrado into pure smoothness.

Pour into mugs and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for a beautiful, aromatic garnish.

Enjoy this comforting Mexican hot chocolate while it’s warm!

Champurrado Pro-Level Pointers

• Whisk masa harina gradually to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky texture in your champurrado.
• Use high-quality Mexican chocolate for authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire drink.
• Keep heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.
• Test champurrado's readiness by checking if it coats the back of a spoon without running off quickly.
• Let cinnamon stick steep longer for deeper, warming spice notes before removing from the mixture.

Champurrado Remix Ideas and Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains the rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Variation: Use dark chocolate without milk solids, coconut milk, and plant-based masa harina to create an entirely dairy-free champurrado.
• Spiced Chocolate Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger for a warming, complex flavor that enhances the traditional Mexican beverage.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute piloncillo with coconut sugar or a small amount of stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions for Warm Champurrado

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm champurrado with freshly made Mexican pan dulce or sweet churros for a delightful morning treat.
• Festive Winter Warmer: Serve in traditional clay mugs during holiday gatherings to create an authentic and comforting atmosphere that celebrates Mexican culinary traditions.
• Dessert Sidekick: Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few toasted pepitas for added texture and a nutty flavor enhancement that complements the rich chocolate base.
• Midnight Comfort: Enjoy as a late-night beverage that provides warmth and sweetness, perfect for winding down after a long day with its creamy, chocolatey goodness.

Champurrado Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Pour cooled champurrado into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Warm over medium-low heat, whisking constantly to restore creamy texture. Add small splashes of milk if too thick.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• What is masa harina and can I substitute it?

Masa harina is corn flour used in Mexican cooking. You can substitute with corn flour or cornmeal, but authentic champurrado requires masa harina for traditional texture.

• Is champurrado a drink or dessert?

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink, thick and creamy, often served as a comforting beverage during cold weather or holidays like Christmas and Day of the Dead.

• How do I prevent lumps when adding masa harina?

Whisk masa harina with warm water separately before adding to the pot, and stir continuously while incorporating to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.

Champurrado Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican champurrado blends rich chocolate and masa harina into a comforting winter beverage. Warm spices and creamy texture create a traditional drink that connects generations of Mexican culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 discs (3 ounces / 85 grams) Mexican chocolate
• 1/2 cup masa harina
• 4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 2 ounces (56 grams) piloncillo
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine salt

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, meld milk, piloncillo, chocolate, and cinnamon stick over medium heat, stirring consistently until ingredients fully integrate and dissolve, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Extract the cinnamon stick, carefully straining the liquid if any fragments remain to ensure a smooth texture.
3. Prepare masa mixture by thoroughly whisking masa harina with warm water until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Incorporate the masa mixture into the liquid base, then introduce vanilla and salt, stirring to harmonize all elements.
5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, continuously whisking to prevent scorching and promote a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Verify the champurrado’s readiness by testing its thickness – it should elegantly coat the back of a spoon without dripping too quickly.
7. Optional: Use an immersion blender to elevate the beverage’s smoothness, creating an even more refined texture.
8. Transfer to serving mugs and garnish with a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Mexican chocolate for authentic, rich flavor that makes a big difference in taste.
• Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s creamy and delicious.
• Use a wooden spoon while stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution throughout the mixture.
• Control thickness by adjusting masa harina amount – less for thinner consistency, more for extra thick texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg