The Best Homemade Champurrado Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This champurrado recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or chilly evenings, bringing warmth and sweetness to your cup. You’ll love its rich, chocolatey flavor and smooth texture, making it a treat for all ages. First, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you might already have at home. Second, it’s beautifully customizable—add cinnamon, vanilla, or even a pinch of chili for a twist. Finally, it’s a comforting drink that brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen.
Recipe

Intro:
Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink thickened with masa harina and flavored with cinnamon and piloncillo. Rich, comforting, and perfect for cold days, this drink is a beloved treat often enjoyed during holidays or breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup piloncillo (or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup masa harina
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablets Mexican chocolate (about 3 oz), chopped
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and cinnamon stick to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon stick and stir in piloncillo until dissolved.
- In a small bowl, mix masa harina with ½ cup of the hot cinnamon water to form a smooth paste.
- Whisk the masa paste into the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add milk and chopped chocolate, stirring until chocolate is fully melted and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Serve hot.
Notes:
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less piloncillo.
- For a smoother texture, blend the champurrado before serving.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Small bowl
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: 4
Nutrition
Champurrado is a traditional Mexican drink made with masa harina, chocolate, and spices. It offers a rich blend of flavors and nutrients.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade champurrado with warm traditional Mexican pan, like sweet conchas or pan dulce, because it balances the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. Fresh seasonal fruit, such as sliced mango or strawberries, adds a revitalizing contrast that cuts through the drink’s sweetness. These pairings make the whole experience feel cozy and complete.
Traditional Mexican Pan
Nothing complements a warm cup of champurrado quite like a slice of traditional Mexican pan. I love pairing my homemade champurrado with pan dulce, especially conchas, which have that sweet, crumbly topping that melts in your mouth. Pan de muerto is another favorite, especially around Day of the Dead—it’s soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for dipping. Monterrey-style bolillos are great if you want something savory to balance the richness. For me, the magic is in how these breads soak up the chocolatey, cinnamon-spiced flavors of champurrado without getting too soggy. It’s a cozy, comforting combo that feels like a hug in every bite.
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Why not add a burst of freshness to your champurrado with some seasonal fruit? I love pairing mine with slices of ripe banana, juicy oranges, or even tart pomegranate seeds—they balance the rich chocolatey warmth perfectly. In winter, I’ll grab persimmons or apples; summer calls for berries or mango. The contrast of cool fruit against the hot drink is heavenly. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in extra vitamins. Just chop your favorites and serve them on the side or drop them right into the mug. Trust me, it’s a game-changer that makes every sip even more delightful.