Champurradas: The Ultimate Guide to Guatemala’s Iconic Sesame Cookies

Champurradas were the first cookies that made me fall in love with baking — simple, crisp, and perfect with a warm cup of coffee.

I still remember being a kid, standing on tiptoe in my grandma’s kitchen, sneaking bits of dough and pretending to “help.” The smell of toasted sesame meant something special was coming. That smell? It still brings me right back.

Hi, I’m Maya — memory-maker, dessert dreamer, and believer that the best recipes come with a story. And these Guatemalan cookies? They’re buttery, not too sweet, and just right for dunking and sharing.

Why try this recipe? It’s comforting, crisp, and surprisingly easy — just like the best kind of memories.

Table of Contents

What Are Champurradas?

Champurradas are a classic Guatemalan treat that blend the texture of a crunchy cookie with the heartiness of rustic bread. These golden, palm-sized delights are crisp on the outside, subtly buttery, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Imagine the perfect mix between a biscuit and a shortbread cookie—firm enough to dip, yet never overly sweet.

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Traditionally made with a combination of wheat flour and masa harina (corn flour), champurradas have a signature toasted flavor that makes them stand out from your average sugar cookie. Their balanced taste—neither too sweet nor bland—has earned them a place in both children’s snack plates and adults’ coffee rituals.

Perfect for pairing with a morning brew or an evening cup of tea, these Guatemalan cookies are beloved for their simple, comforting flavor and satisfying crunch.

How Champurradas Stand Apart from Cookies and Bread

A common curiosity is whether champurradas are cookies or a type of bread. Technically, they’re cookies—but with a wholesome, bread-like twist.

Unlike the soft and chewy texture found in many American-style cookies, champurradas are deliberately firm and crisp. This texture helps them retain shape when dipped into warm beverages like café de olla or hot chocolate. While categorized under Guatemala’s pan dulce (sweet bread) umbrella, they contain no yeast and don’t rise like traditional bread.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Champurradas	Typical Cookies	Bread
Texture	Crisp and sturdy	Often soft or chewy	Light and airy
Sweetness Level	Mild and balanced	Ranges from mild to very sweet	Typically mild or savory
Key Ingredients	Flour, masa harina, sesame seeds	Flour, sugar, chocolate chips	Yeast, flour, eggs
Best Paired With	Coffee, tea, hot chocolate	Milk, other desserts	Butter, jam

So, while champurradas might be served alongside bread during breakfast in Guatemala, don’t be fooled—they are cookies through and through, just with a bit more personality.

The Origin and Cultural Significance of Champurradas

Where Do Champurradas Come From?

Champurradas come from Guatemala, where they’ve been a staple in bakeries and homes for generations. Their roots trace back to European baking traditions — think Spanish Maria cookies or Italian biscotti — but with a local twist: masa harina and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Over time, they became a cherished part of Guatemalan life, especially in the highlands, where recipes are often passed down through families.

A Sweet Tradition in Guatemalan Coffee Culture

In Guatemala, champurradas are more than just a snack — they’re part of café de las tres, the beloved mid-afternoon coffee break. You’ll find them served with café de olla, a rich, spiced coffee brewed in clay pots.

They also show up at breakfast alongside pan dulce, and they’re often handed out from paper bags at local bakeries or even delivered fresh door-to-door. Simple, homemade, and always shared — that’s the spirit of champurradas.

Ingredients and Traditional Craftsmanship of Champurradas

The rich, comforting flavor of champurradas comes from a blend of time-tested ingredients and simple preparation methods passed down through generations.

Craving more easy treats? Discover even more in our Cookies, Bars & Bites!

Foundational Ingredients in Champurradas

• Masa Harina: This corn-based flour gives champurradas their characteristic texture and gentle corn flavor, making them stand apart from typical cookie recipes.
• Piloncillo: A traditional sweetener made from unrefined cane sugar, piloncillo adds depth and a caramelized richness. A mix of molasses and dark brown sugar can serve as an effective alternative.
• Flour and Leavening Agents: All-purpose flour, combined with baking powder, helps create a delicate, crumbly structure.
• Butter and Shortening: These fats work together to achieve the perfect crispness and buttery bite.
• Eggs and Vanilla Essence: For a smooth, aromatic finish that ties all the flavors together.
• Sesame Seeds: Generously sprinkled on top before baking, they lend a toasty crunch and visual appeal.

The combination of these ingredients delivers a treat that’s light, crisp, and comforting—perfect with coffee or tea.

Time-Tested Preparation Approach

In many Guatemalan households, champurradas are still made with artisanal methods, sometimes using freshly ground corn from local mills. For everyday bakers, packaged masa harina provides a convenient and effective option.

Once the dough is prepared, it’s briefly cooled, then shaped into discs. Before they go in the oven, each one is brushed with an egg wash and coated in sesame seeds for a beautiful golden finish.

The result is a cookie that captures the warmth of Guatemalan kitchens—crispy, flavorful, and made with love.

From Scratch to Tradition: Baking Real Guatemalan Champurradas at Home

Baking champurradas at home is like bottling the essence of a Guatemalan morning. Crisp, golden, and kissed with toasted sesame seeds, these cookies are as cozy as they are classic—and they’re simpler to make than you might think.

The process starts with gathering ingredients that are humble but full of character: a mix of wheat flour and masa harina lays the foundation, giving the cookies their rustic texture and faintly nutty corn flavor. Sweetness comes from a touch of white sugar balanced with piloncillo—or, if needed, a mix of dark brown sugar and molasses does the trick.

Butter and a bit of vegetable shortening lend a tender crumb, while eggs and vanilla add richness and aroma. The dough may seem crumbly at first, but with a light knead, it pulls together beautifully. A short chill in the fridge gives it structure for shaping.

Instead of relying on exact sizes, just roll out the dough until it feels thin but sturdy, then cut into circles using anything round on hand. Each piece gets a soft glaze from beaten egg and a blanket of sesame seeds before being placed into a warm oven.

As they bake, the kitchen fills with a scent that’s unmistakably Guatemalan—sweet, toasty, and deeply nostalgic. Watch for the edges to turn golden, then let the cookies cool completely on a rack. This final step is key; as they cool, they harden slightly, forming that signature snap when you bite in.

Whether served beside a morning cup of coffee or enjoyed as a late-night treat, champurradas offer a comforting bite of tradition you can make your own.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Champurradas

How to Serve Champurradas: Best Times and Beverages

Champurradas are meant to be shared, savored, and dipped — they’re the kind of cookie that turns a regular cup of coffee into a cozy little ritual.

In Guatemala, they’re often served:

• At breakfast, alongside pan dulce
• During café de las tres, the traditional 3 p.m. coffee break
• Or simply as a snack to nibble with hot cocoa or black tea

Their crisp texture makes them perfect for dunking — they hold together without getting soggy, which is part of the charm.

Guatemalan Café de las Tres: A Perfect Match

If you really want to go full experience, pair your champurradas with café de olla, a sweet, spiced coffee brewed in clay pots. It’s bold, fragrant, and beautifully balanced by the buttery crunch of the cookies.

Not into coffee? Try them with:

• Hot chocolate (especially thick Guatemalan-style)
• Spiced tea like chai
• Or even dipped into warm milk for the little ones

However you serve them, these cookies bring that “slow down and enjoy the moment” kind of comfort.

Nutritional Value and Dietary Considerations

How Many Calories in a Guatemalan Champurrada?

One average-sized champurrada contains about 120–130 calories, depending on the size and ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown per cookie:

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	123 kcal
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	2g
Fat	6g
Sugar	6g
Fiber	1g

They’re not overly sweet or heavy, which makes them great for a light snack — especially when paired with coffee or tea.

Are Champurradas Healthy? Tips for Lighter Versions

While champurradas aren’t exactly a health food, they’re more balanced than many modern cookies. Want to make them a bit lighter? Try these swaps:

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber
• Swap shortening for more butter or a plant-based alternative
• Reduce sugar slightly if you’re not into sweet
• Use unsweetened sesame seeds for topping

They’re also a good option if you’re looking for a cookie without frosting, chocolate, or heavy dairy.

Popular Variations of Champurradas

Regional and Family Variations Across Guatemala

While the classic champurrada recipe stays pretty consistent, every Guatemalan abuela adds her own twist. Some regions use more piloncillo for a deeper molasses flavor, others add anise seeds or even a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

In smaller villages, champurradas might be baked in wood-fired ovens, giving them a subtle smoky edge. And in some households, the cookies are made extra thick — almost like a sweet biscuit — while others prefer them thin and ultra crisp.

It’s the kind of recipe where no two batches are ever exactly the same, and that’s part of the magic.

Creative Twists: Chocolate, Coconut, or Vegan Champurradas

Want to experiment? Here are a few fun spins on the traditional champurrada:

• Chocolate Champurradas – Add cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips to the dough
• Coconut Champurradas – Mix shredded coconut into the batter or sprinkle on top with the sesame seeds
• Vegan Version – Swap butter for vegan margarine and use a plant-based egg substitute (like flax egg or aquafaba)
• Spiced Champurradas – Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a cozy twist
• Mini Champurradas – Make smaller rounds for bite-sized party treats or kids’ lunchboxes

Each version still captures the soul of the original — crisp, buttery, and perfect with a warm drink.

Keeping Champurradas Fresh: Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice

Once you’ve pulled a tray of warm, golden champurradas from the oven, the last thing you want is for them to go soft before you can enjoy them all. Fortunately, with a few easy habits, you can keep them tasting bakery-fresh for days—or even weeks.

Keeping the Crunch: Storage Tips That Work

The first and most important rule? Let your cookies cool all the way down. Any residual warmth can create steam inside the container, and moisture is the fastest way to ruin their signature crunch.

Once cooled, transfer the cookies into a container that seals tightly. If you’re stacking them, slip a layer of parchment between each level to keep them from sticking. Store them in a cool, dry area—not near your oven or dishwasher, where heat and humidity tend to linger. Treated well, they’ll hold their delightful texture for up to a week.

Freezer-Friendly and Ready When You Are

Want to get ahead or stock up for unexpected guests? Champurradas freeze surprisingly well. Just make sure they’ve cooled fully before you wrap them tightly or seal them into a freezer bag. Tuck them away for up to a month.

When you’re ready to serve, pop a few onto a baking sheet and warm them gently in a low oven—around 300°F—for five to seven minutes. Give them a moment to rest before enjoying, and they’ll be nearly indistinguishable from fresh-baked.

Whether you’re prepping in advance or just want to make your batch last, these easy methods keep every cookie crisp, fragrant, and ready for dipping into your favorite drink.

If there’s no local bakery nearby, the internet offers a few helpful shortcuts. Some Latin American grocery sites and food retailers stock packaged versions or offer Guatemalan pastry boxes. Online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy also feature small-batch bakers who ship traditional cookies nationwide. Just be sure to check reviews and sourcing—quality can vary.

Still, when all else fails, there’s nothing like baking them yourself.

Baking Abroad: Bringing Champurradas Into Your Kitchen
Living outside Guatemala doesn’t mean you have to go without its comfort foods. With masa harina, some everyday ingredients, and a bit of baking time, you can recreate the flavor and crunch of authentic champurradas wherever you are.

In fact, baking them at home gives you full creative control. Want them larger, less sweet, or extra crisp? It’s up to you. The aroma, the texture, the warm-from-the-oven bite—it’s all part of the joy.

So whether you’re a homesick Guatemalan or just a curious food lover, making champurradas abroad is more than possible—it’s deliciously rewarding.

Finding Champurradas Beyond Guatemala: Where to Buy and How to Make Your Own

Craving the crisp, buttery flavor of champurradas but living far from Guatemala? You’re not alone—and thankfully, there are a few ways to satisfy that craving.

In the United States, one of the most reliable ways to find champurradas is by visiting Latin American bakeries, particularly those located in areas with vibrant Guatemalan communities. These panaderías typically offer a range of traditional pastries, and staff are usually familiar with their sesame-topped cookies—just mention champurradas or ask for “Guatemalan-style cookies.”

If there’s no local bakery nearby, the internet offers a few helpful shortcuts. Some Latin American grocery sites and food retailers stock packaged versions or offer Guatemalan pastry boxes. Online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy also feature small-batch bakers who ship traditional cookies nationwide. Just be sure to check reviews and sourcing—quality can vary.

Still, when all else fails, there’s nothing like baking them yourself.

Baking Abroad: Bringing Champurradas Into Your Kitchen
Living outside Guatemala doesn’t mean you have to go without its comfort foods. With masa harina, some everyday ingredients, and a bit of baking time, you can recreate the flavor and crunch of authentic champurradas wherever you are.

In fact, baking them at home gives you full creative control. Want them larger, less sweet, or extra crisp? It’s up to you. The aroma, the texture, the warm-from-the-oven bite—it’s all part of the joy.

So whether you’re a homesick Guatemalan or just a curious food lover, making champurradas abroad is more than possible—it’s deliciously rewarding.

Conclusion: Every Champurrada Tells a Story

More than just a snack, champurradas carry the spirit of Guatemalan kitchens—flaky, golden, and perfect for sharing over a warm cup of coffee. They evoke comfort, community, and the kind of simplicity that turns an ordinary moment into something memorable.

Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying them for the very first time, baking these sesame-studded cookies at home is like reviving a tradition—one that fills your space with warmth and your plate with joy.

So go ahead, mix up a batch. Brew something warm. And with every crisp bite, savor a small piece of culture that’s been passed down, shared, and loved for generations.