Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cups shortening
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cups milk
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg , beaten

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Beat brown sugar and shortening together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in 1 egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix in flour until the dough is stiff enough to roll out.

3. 3

   Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into cookies using a pig-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven until risen and edges are lightly browned, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool briefly on cookie sheets; serve warm or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.