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Cozy Champurrado: The Best Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

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This thick, velvety Mexican hot chocolate is made with masa harina for a unique, comforting texture. It’s a simple, authentic drink that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk (or oat milk/almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup masa harina (preferably Maseca brand)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (e.g., Hershey’s or Ghirardelli)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or Mexican chocolate tablets (e.g., Ibarra or Abuelita)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder or pinch of cayenne

Instructions

  1. Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the masa harina and 1/2 cup of the cold milk until smooth and lump-free.
  2. Heat the milk and spices: Pour the remaining 3 1/2 cups of milk into a medium saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the slurry: Once the milk is warm, slowly pour in the masa harina slurry while whisking constantly. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add the chocolate and cocoa: Reduce heat to low. Add the chopped dark chocolate (or Mexican chocolate tablet), cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk continuously until fully melted and incorporated, about 2-3 minutes more.
  5. Finish with vanilla: Remove from heat. Take out the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Serve immediately: Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip making the slurry—adding masa harina directly to hot milk will cause lumps. Keep heat low to prevent scorching. Adjust thickness with extra milk if needed. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: champurrado, Mexican hot chocolate, cozy drink, winter drink, masa harina, hot chocolate, traditional Mexican

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-champurrado-the-best-easy-mexican-hot-chocolate-recipe/