Marranitos recipe

Marranitos (also known as Pan de Puerquito) are traditional Mexican gingerbread cookies, often shaped like pigs, with a soft texture and a sweet, spicy flavor. These cookies are popular at Mexican bakeries and are perfect for a snack with coffee or hot chocolate.

Here’s a delicious Marranitos recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (or as needed)
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar (for coating)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.

Step 6: Shape the Marranitos

1. Divide the dough into small portions, about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cookie. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly.
2. Shape the cookies into pig shapes (classic Marranito style) or simply into rounds or oval shapes if you prefer. You can use a pig-shaped cookie cutter or shape the dough by hand.
3. Press the flattened dough into a plate of coarse sugar to coat the top of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the Marranitos to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Molasses substitute: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Texture: Marranitos should have a soft texture, so avoid overbaking them. They should not be crisp.
• Flavor boost: If you like, you can add a little orange zest or clove powder for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas:

• With hot drinks: Marranitos are often enjoyed with coffee, hot chocolate, or Mexican hot chocolate.
• Perfect for snacks: These cookies make a great afternoon snack or dessert, especially with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

These Marranitos are sweet, spicy, and wonderfully soft with a slight crispness on the outside. They are a nostalgic Mexican treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy!