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
- In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and shortening until smooth.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- 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
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a pig-shaped cookie cutter (or your favorite shape if you don’t have one) to cut out cookies.
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 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.