Piloncillo Piggy Biscuits
Piggy-shaped sweet bread made with piloncillo and spices.
About this recipe
Mexican sweet bread in piggy shape made with piloncillo and spices, with firm texture and intense caramel flavor. A classic of Mexican baking.
History & Origin
Piloncillo piggy biscuits are one of Mexico's most endearing and nostalgic sweet breads, instantly recognisable by their little pig shape and dark color from piloncillo. Their history dates back to the 18th century, when bakers of New Spain began creating breads in animal shapes. Piloncillo gives these breads their unmistakable flavor: deep sweetness with notes of caramel and molasses. The traditional spices, cinnamon and aniseed, complement the piloncillo perfectly. Mexican children grow up with the memory of biting the piggy's head first.
Estimated cost
$2.79
Total cost
$0.23
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on US supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
200
Calories
3g
Protein
38g
Carbohydrates
4g
Fat
1g
Fiber
160mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Boil the grated piloncillo with half a cup of water, cinnamon and aniseed until dissolved and a thick syrup forms. Leave to cool.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the softened lard and mix with your hands until it resembles wet sand.
- 3
Incorporate the cooled piloncillo syrup and knead until you have a firm, workable dough. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
- 4
Roll out the dough to 1cm thickness on a floured surface. Cut with a piggy-shaped cutter or form the piggies by hand.
💡 If you don't have a cutter, form cylinders with little legs and a snout.
- 5
Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 170C for 18-20 minutes. They should not brown too much. Leave to cool completely on the tray.
💡 They harden as they cool; if they come out of the oven soft, that's correct.
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Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.
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