With the arrival of the cold seasonatole becomes one of the most sought after drinks in Mexican homes, whether to accompany tamalessweet bread or simply to warm up during the morning or evening.
Among the many variations of this traditional drink, the biscuit atole has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its comforting flavor and the ease with which it can be prepared at home.
This atole combines the creamy texture of cornstarch with the sweet and familiar touch of cookies, which can be Maria type, cinnamon or even whole wheat, depending on the preference of each family. Its preparation is simple, accessible and requires common ingredients that are usually available in any kitchen.
To prepare approximately one liter of biscuit atole, you will need:
- 10 to 12 cookies Maria or cinnamon type
- 4 cups of milk (whole, lactose-free or vegetable)
- 2 cups of water
- 3 tablespoons of corn starch (cornstarch)
- ¼ cup of sugaror to taste
- 1 slice of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence (optional)
These quantities can be adjusted depending on the desired consistency: more cookies for an intense flavor or more milk for a lighter texture.
- Grind the cookies: Place the cookies in a blender and process them until you obtain a fine powder. This step ensures that they are properly incorporated into the atole without leaving lumps.
- Make the base mix: In a separate container, dissolve the cornstarch in a cup of cold water. This allows you to avoid lumps when adding it to the hot mixture.
- Boil the liquid ingredients: In a large pot, heat the four cups of milk along with the remaining cup of water, the cinnamon stick and the sugar. Keep over medium heat until it starts to boil gently.
- Add the ground cookies: Add the cookies little by little, mixing constantly to prevent lumps from forming or settling at the bottom of the pot.
- Integrate the dissolved starch: Pour the cornstarch and water mixture into the pot. Stir continuously until the atole begins to thicken, a process that takes between five and seven minutes. At this point you can add vanilla essence to enhance the flavor.
- Correct consistency: If the atole is too thick, you can add a little more milk or water. If, on the other hand, it is very liquid, you can add half a teaspoon more of starch dissolved in cold water and heat it for a few additional minutes.
Cookie atole is an extremely versatile drink that can be adapted to different tastes. Some families choose to use chocolate or whole wheat cookieswhile others add a touch of cocoa, condensed milk or extra cinnamon.
Its sweet flavor and thick consistency make it ideal to accompany breakfast or share at meetings and inns.
In addition to being economical and easy to prepare, it offers a different option to the traditional atole, while preserving the warm and homely essence that characterizes this Mexican drink.
