Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies)

Marranitos (or Gingerbread Pigs) are delicious cake-like spiced Mexican cookies flavored with molasses and brown sugar. Always a hit for the holidays!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 359 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 egg, beaten
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 cup shortening
• 1.25 cups packed brown sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Beat brown sugar and shortening together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in 1 egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix in flour until the dough is stiff enough to roll out.

Step 3

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into cookies using a pig-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until risen and edges are lightly browned, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool briefly on cookie sheets; serve warm or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.