Champurradas are traditional Guatemalan cookies, large and crunchy, coated with sesame seeds, typically enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
They’re one of the most recognizable cookies in Guatemalan baking, found in most bakeries across the country.
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Guatemalan Sesame Cookies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Baked goods
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g of lard or margarine (about 7 oz)
- 2 of eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- to taste of milk, as needed to bind
- 1 cup of sesame seeds, for coating
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the fat, add the lard or margarine and mix with your hands until sandy in texture.
- Add the wet ingredients, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until a dough forms. Add milk gradually if needed to bind.
- Knead, knead briefly until you get a smooth, even dough.
- Roll out, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1 cm thick.
- Cut, cut large circles with a cutter or a glass.
- Coat with sesame, press each cookie into sesame seeds so they stick well.
- Bake, bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.
- Cool, let cool on a rack before serving.
Tips for getting it right
- Not over-kneading helps champurradas turn out crunchy rather than tough.
- The sesame seeds should coat the surface of each cookie well for the characteristic flavor and texture.
- Champurradas are traditionally large, bigger than a common cookie.
- They can be stored in an airtight container to keep their crunchy texture for several days.
Traditional variations
- It’s one of the most recognizable and best-selling cookies in Guatemalan bakeries.
- Some variants add a touch of cinnamon to the dough.
How to serve
Champurradas are served alongside coffee or hot chocolate, ideal for dipping.
They’re a classic of Guatemalan baking, enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack.
Recommended sides
- Coffee
- Guatemalan chocolate
Did you know?
Champurradas stand out for their large size and full sesame coating, features that make them unique.
They’re one of Guatemala’s most exported cookies, prized by the Guatemalan diaspora abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're large, crunchy traditional Guatemalan cookies coated with sesame seeds, typical of the country's baking.
They're traditionally served with coffee or hot chocolate, ideal for dipping.
The sesame seeds coat the surface of the cookie, adding texture and a characteristic toasted flavor.
They're best stored in an airtight container, which helps keep their crunchy texture longer.
