If you’re looking to explore a new cookie recipe that offers a delightful balance of rich flavor and cultural history, here we have our guide for How to Make Guatemalan Champurradas. These traditional shortbread cookies are a beloved treat in Guatemala and are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for the skilled and beginner, this easy recipe will guide you in creating a batch of delicious Guatemalan champurradas that will transport you straight to the heart of Central America.

What Are Guatemalan Champurradas?

Champurradas are traditional shortbread cookies from Guatemala, loved for their simplicity and delicate, buttery flavor. These cookies are often served as a snack with coffee or hot chocolate, and they are especially popular during festive seasons. Champurradas have a slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They’re traditionally made with just a few basic ingredients but are still deliciously sweet, making them a staple in many Guatemalan households.

The name “champurrada” comes from the Spanish word “champurrar,” which means to mix or blend, symbolizing how the ingredients come together in this simple recipe.

The History and Cultural Significance of Champurradas

Guatemalan champurradas are an essential part of Guatemala’s rich culinary heritage. These shortbread cookies are a symbol of the country’s traditional baking techniques, often made and enjoyed by loved ones during gatherings or celebrations.

Historically, champurradas were made with simple ingredients that could be easily found in rural areas. This practicality made them a beloved treat. They are often served alongside beverages like hot chocolate or coffee, which are staples in Guatemalan culture. The act of sharing champurradas is a reflection of the importance of community and hospitality in Guatemalan culture.

How to Make Guatemalan Champurradas: Ingredients and Instructions

The beauty of Guatemalan champurradas lies in their simplicity. Only need a handful of common ingredients are necessary to create these tasty cookies. Here’s what we need:

all-purpose flour
unsalted butter
sugar
egg
vanilla extract
salt
baking powder

These basic ingredients are easy to find and don’t require any special equipment or techniques!

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making these delicious Guatemalan cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar. This is a key step to ensure the cookies have the right texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract. The egg binds the ingredients together and gives the dough a rich flavor, while the vanilla enhances the sweetness and aroma of the cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough, helping the cookies rise and bake uniformly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies. For an authentic touch, you can use a fork to lightly press down on the top of each cookie, creating a classic pattern.
Step 7: Bake the Champurradas. Make sure there’s enough space between each cookie to allow them to spread slightly while baking.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy. Afterward, they’re ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!

See the full recipe card down below!

Tips for Best Results

Here are some helpful tips for how to make Guatemalan champurradas with the best results:

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients come together smoothly and give your cookies a light, airy texture.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to shape and will yield a better texture.
Customize the Flavor: While traditional champurradas are simple, you can add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.

Making Guatemalan Champurradas (shortbread cookies) is a fun and rewarding experience that brings a piece of Guatemala’s culinary tradition into your home. These easy cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy or want to explore a new cultural recipe.

From my table to yours,

Print Recipe

How to Make Guatemalan Champurradas: A Simple Shortbread Cookie Recipe

The beauty of Guatemalan champurradas lies in their simplicity. Only a handful of common ingredients are needed to create these tasty cookies.

Total Time30

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Guatemalan, Latin

Keyword: Champurradas, Cookies, Guatemalan Champurradas, Shortbread Cookies

Servings: 12 cookies

Author: Dey | Touching Tables

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer.
Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This is a key step to ensure the cookies have the right texture.

Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract:

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be smooth, slightly sticky, and easy to handle.

Shape the Cookies:

Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
Then, with clean hands or the bottom of a glass flatten each ball into a round disc shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

Bake the Champurradas:

Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make sure there’s enough space between each cookie to allow them to spread slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy:

Once the champurradas are golden and baked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy with a cup of hot drink!

Notes

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