Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs Recipe

These adorable pig-shaped cookies are a Texas bakery staple! Inspired by a recipe from Melissa Guerra's "Dishes from the Wild Horse Desert" (featured in the Houston Chronicle), these marranitos offer a unique twist on gingerbread. Their dense, spiced texture is the perfect complement to your morning coffee or a glass of cold milk. Get ready to delight your family and friends with this authentic Mexican treat!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 103.9 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating Be the first
Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs 43

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs

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How to Make Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup piloncillo, 2 star anise, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool completely, stirring occasionally to dissolve the piloncillo.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup granulated sugar.
  5. Cut in 1 cup shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Gradually add the cooled piloncillo syrup, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
  7. Divide the dough in half. Wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you work with the other half.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to 1/3-inch thickness.
  9. Use a pig-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
  10. Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
  11. Whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water; brush this egg wash over the cookies.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  13. Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

5g

Carbs

4g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American For Large Groups Breakfast Desserts Mexican Cookies And Brownies Taste Mood Sweet To Go Number Of Servings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs?

Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs?

Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs has approximately 103.9 calories per serving, with about 3 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates and 6 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs?

The key ingredients for Marranitos Little Ginger Pigs are Piloncillo, Water, Star Anise, Cinnamon Stick, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger. See the full list with measurements above.

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