Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies)

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Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies) 🐷✨

A classic treat with deep roots in Mexican panaderías, Marranitos—also known as puerquitos or cochinitos—are soft, molasses-spiced cookies shaped like little pigs. Their rich flavor and cake-like texture make them a nostalgic favorite often enjoyed with café de olla or hot chocolate.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup shortening
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing tops)

Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and shortening until smooth.
  2. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Stir in the molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft but workable dough forms. You may not need all the flour—stop when the dough holds together and is no longer sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Marranitos

  1. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  2. Use a pig-shaped cookie cutter (or your favorite shape if you don’t have one) to cut out cookies.
  3. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  4. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

  • Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies puff slightly and edges are just golden.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

  • These cookies are best enjoyed with coffee, milk, or Mexican hot chocolate.
  • Slightly warm them before serving for a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Just thaw and reheat briefly for a fresh taste.

🇲🇽 Tradition You Can Taste

Marranitos are more than cookies—they’re a warm memory of Mexican bakeries, a taste of home, and a little pig-shaped piece of joy. Whether you’re making them for the first time or reliving a childhood favorite, these cookies bring comforting flavor with every bite.

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