What does marranitos mean?

In Spanish, marranitos literally means “little pigs.” It refers to the shape of these traditional Mexican cookies, which are cut to resemble piglets. The name is a playful nod to the pig-shaped cookie cutter used, but it also reflects the cozy, rustic charm of the dessert. Marranitos are also commonly called cochinitos or puerquitos , all translating to the same meaning.

What do marranitos taste like?

Marranitos have a rich, mildly sweet flavor with deep molasses undertones and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. The texture is soft yet slightly cakey—somewhere between a cookie and a sweet bread. They’re not overly sugary, which makes them perfect for pairing with coffee or milk.

What are marranitos made of?

Marranitos are made from basic baking ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and milk, along with dark brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. These pantry staples come together to form a smooth dough, which is rolled and cut into pig shapes before baking. The result is a warmly spiced, golden brown cookie full of nostalgic flavor.

What is marranito in Spanish?

In Spanish, marranito is a diminutive form of marrano , which can mean pig. In the culinary world, however, marranito lovingly refers to a soft, pig-shaped cookie flavored with molasses and spices. It’s a beloved part of Mexican pan dulce traditions and is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or dessert.

Marranitos Recipe – Best Soft Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

Name: Marranitos Recipe – Soft Mexican Gingerbread Pig Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs (divided); ¾ cup unsulfured molasses; ¼ cup milk; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1½ tsp baking soda; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

Description

Soft Mexican gingerbread cookies shaped like pigs, made with molasses and warm spices—perfect with coffee or milk.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs (divided)

¾ cup unsulfured molasses

¼ cup milk

1½ tsp vanilla extract

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground ginger

1½ tsp baking soda

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.

2. Cream butter, then add brown sugar and beat until fluffy.

3. Add 1 egg, molasses, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Mix into soft dough.

6. Roll dough to ⅜ inch thickness on a floured surface.

7. Cut pig shapes with cookie cutter. Place on baking sheets.

8. Whisk second egg and brush on tops of cookies.

9. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are slightly golden.

10. Cool on pan briefly, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Store in airtight container for 4–5 days.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 152
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 83mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 18mg