Step 1

Beat butter until soft and creamy in kitchen mixer.

Step 2

Add the panela, vanilla, baking soda, ground cinnamon, orange zest, salt, anise, and ground cloves. Until combined scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3

Add in 2 eggs and molasses.

Step 4

Mix to combine.

Step 5

Add the flour little by little until a dough forms.

Step 6

Divide the dough in two or three balls and freeze for 2 hours (important!).

Step 7

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 8

Roll a ball of the dough until ¼-inch thick (important not to be too thin or thick).

Step 9

Cut out the shapes with the pig shaped cookie cutter.

Step 10

Place the unbaked marranitos on a cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.

Step 11

Mix the last egg with 2 tablespoons water to create an egg wash.

Step 12

Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash.

Step 13

Bake for 11-13 minutes. Cool & enjoy!