Delight in these traditional Mexican cookies, known as Marranitos or Puerquitos, characterized by their charming pig shape and rich molasses flavor. Soft and subtly spiced, they make for a perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
🍯 1 cup piloncillo (Mexican unrefined cane sugar) or dark brown sugar
💧 1/4 cup water
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
🥚 1 large egg
🍯 1/4 cup molasses
🧂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🧂 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
🧂 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1 teaspoon baking powder
🥚 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Equipment
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• Pig-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes per batch
Chill Time
1 hour
Calories & Macros (per cookie)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
• Calories: 150
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 5g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Piloncillo Syrup
o In a saucepan, combine piloncillo (or dark brown sugar) and water.
o Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
o Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
2. Make the Dough
o In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
o Add the egg and molasses, mixing well to combine.
o Pour in the cooled piloncillo syrup and mix until smooth.
o In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
o Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough
o Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
o Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Preheat the Oven
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
o Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll and Cut the Dough
o On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
o Use a pig-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
o Repeat with the second disk of dough.
6. Apply Egg Wash
o Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
7. Bake
o Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
o Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Variations: Add a pinch of ground anise or nutmeg for additional flavor depth.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a delightful pairing.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Enjoy your Marranitos! 🐷🍪