When it comes to pan dulce (sweet bread), Marranitos are a favorite for me. "Marranitos" is Spanish for "little pigs." They're basically pig-shaped Mexican gingerbread, and with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, they're a wonderful treat. They're also known as puerquitos or cochinitos, which are just other words for pigs. Whatever you call them, they are delicious, and now you can make them at home.
In large bowl, cream together brown sugar and softened butter or shortening. Add anise, baking soda, and cinnamon and continue to mix well. Continue to mix after adding each of the following ingredients: vanilla, molasses, one egg, milk. When everything is well combined, begin adding flour a little at a time, until all six cups are mixed in. This should form a heavy dough and will require kneading by hand. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate a minimum of 30 minutes.
When ready to bake, place chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out with rolling pin to about 1/3" to 1/4" thickness. Use cookie cutter to cut pig shaped dough. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. In small bowl, whisk together remaining egg and brush over cookies, covering them completely with egg wash. Bake at 350ยบ for 12 minutes.
This recipe makes 2 dozen marranitos using a 5" cookie cutter. Amounts will vary based on cookie size.
You will need a pig-shaped cookie cutter