Brigadeiros

Brigadeiros

These beloved Brazilian sweets are a true national treasure! Brigadeiros are incredibly rich, fudgy, and chewy chocolate fudge balls, traditionally rolled in chocolate sprinkles. They’re incredibly easy to make and impossible to resist.

Here is the classic recipe and method.

Classic Brigadeiros

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Yields: About 20-25 small candies

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz / 395g) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for rolling

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (for a richer chocolate flavor, use 4 tbsp)

• A pinch of salt

• Chocolate sprinkles (granulado) for coating

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan (non-stick is ideal), combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, sifted cocoa powder, and salt.

2. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly and continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. This is the most important step to prevent burning.

3. Know When It’s Done: Cook for about 10-15 minutes. The mixture is ready when it thickens significantly and starts to pull away from the bottom and sides of the pan as you stir. When you run the spoon through the middle, it should take a few seconds for the mixture to slide back together. This stage is called the “point of detachment” (ponto de desgrude).

4. Cool the Dough: Immediately transfer the hot mixture to a lightly buttered plate. Spread it out to help it cool faster. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days) until firm enough to handle.

5. Shape the Brigadeiros: Lightly butter your palms. Scoop up about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture (depending on your desired size) and roll it into a smooth ball between your buttered hands.

6. Coat: Roll the ball immediately in a bowl of chocolate sprinkles until fully coated. Place the finished brigadeiro in a small paper candy cup (forminha).

7. Serve and Store: Arrange them on a platter and serve at room temperature for the best texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

🌟 Pro-Tips for Perfect Brigadeiros:

• Stir Constantly: Do not stop stirring! This prevents the bottom from scorching and ensures even cooking.

• The Right Consistency: Undercooking will result in a mixture that is too soft to roll. Overcooking will make it grainy and hard. The “pulling away from the pan” is the key visual cue.

• Butter Your Hands: This is essential to prevent the sticky mixture from sticking to your palms while rolling.

• Get Creative with Coatings: While chocolate sprinkles are classic, you can roll them in:

  • Shredded coconut

  • Crushed nuts (peanuts, pistachios)

  • Colored sprinkles (confete) for parties

  • Powdered sugar

• Flavor Variations: The base is incredibly versatile!

  • Brigadeiro Branco (White): Omit the cocoa powder and add 1/2 cup of powdered milk for a creamy, white version.

  • Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture while cooking.

  • Pistachio: Use 1/4 cup of finely ground pistachios in the mixture and roll in crushed pistachios.

Enjoy making and eating these little bites of Brazilian joy! They are always a hit.