Brigadeiros are a classic Brazilian dessert that’s loved by people of all ages. These bite-sized chocolate treats are similar to truffles but made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and sprinkles. The rich, fudgy texture and sweet chocolate flavor make brigadeiros a must-have at birthday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations across Brazil. They are easy to make and incredibly versatile, with countless variations to customize the flavor and decorations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make authentic brigadeiros at home, covering everything from preparing the chocolate mixture to rolling and decorating the treats. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious snack, brigadeiros are a fun and tasty dessert that anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients for Making Brigadeiros
Brigadeiros require just a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. This simple recipe yields about 20-25 brigadeiros, depending on the size.
For the Brigadeiro Mixture
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz or 395g): The base of the brigadeiros, providing sweetness and a creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For rich chocolate flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture firm up as it cools.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): For extra flavor.
For Rolling and Decorating
- Chocolate sprinkles: The classic topping for brigadeiros.
- Coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles: Optional toppings for variety and color.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brigadeiros
Step 1: Cook the Brigadeiro Mixture
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and butter. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the mixture as well.
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent the mixture from burning. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when you can run your spoon through the center of the mixture, and it holds its shape for a moment before coming back together.
- Let It Cool: Once the mixture has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature. For quicker cooling, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. The mixture should firm up enough to roll into balls.
Step 2: Shape the Brigadeiros
- Grease Your Hands: Lightly grease your hands with butter to prevent the brigadeiro mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Roll the Mixture into Balls: Scoop out small portions of the cooled mixture using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop. Roll the mixture between your palms to form 1-inch balls (about the size of a large marble).
Step 3: Roll in Sprinkles
- Prepare the Toppings: Pour the chocolate sprinkles or other toppings (such as coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles) into a shallow bowl or plate.
- Coat the Brigadeiros: Roll each brigadeiro ball in the sprinkles or toppings of your choice, making sure they are evenly coated. Place the finished brigadeiros on a serving plate or in mini cupcake liners for a polished presentation.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Brigadeiros: While you can serve brigadeiros right away, they are best enjoyed after chilling for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows them to firm up and enhances their texture.
- Serve: Brigadeiros are traditionally served at room temperature, but you can keep them chilled until ready to serve. They’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply as an indulgent treat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Brigadeiros
1. Stir Constantly
To avoid burning the condensed milk, it’s important to stir the mixture constantly while cooking. Use a non-stick pan and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom and sides of the pan.
2. Know When the Mixture is Ready
The brigadeiro mixture is ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. A good test is to drag your spoon through the center of the mixture—if it holds its shape before slowly coming back together, it’s ready.
3. Let It Cool Properly
Letting the mixture cool completely before rolling is essential. If it’s too warm, the brigadeiros will be sticky and hard to shape. For best results, let the mixture cool in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before rolling.
4. Use Different Toppings
While chocolate sprinkles are the classic topping for brigadeiros, feel free to get creative! Roll them in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, colored sprinkles, or even powdered sugar for variety. You can also dip them in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
5. Make in Advance
Brigadeiros can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or special occasions.
Variations of Brigadeiros
1. White Chocolate Brigadeiros
For a different twist, replace the cocoa powder with white chocolate. Simply melt 2 oz (60g) of white chocolate into the sweetened condensed milk mixture during cooking, and follow the same steps to shape and roll them in sprinkles or shredded coconut.
2. Coconut Brigadeiros (Beijinho)
A popular variation is the beijinho, or coconut brigadeiro. Replace the cocoa powder with shredded coconut and roll the finished balls in more coconut flakes. These treats have a tropical flavor that’s perfect for summer parties.
3. Nutella Brigadeiros
For a rich, nutty flavor, add 2 tablespoons of Nutella to the brigadeiro mixture while cooking. This variation creates a silky, chocolate-hazelnut treat that can be rolled in crushed hazelnuts or chocolate sprinkles.
4. Dark Chocolate Brigadeiros
For a more intense chocolate flavor, substitute the unsweetened cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder. The result is a richer, more sophisticated brigadeiro that pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of red wine.
Healthier Alternatives for Brigadeiros
While brigadeiros are a sweet indulgence, you can make some adjustments to create a healthier version:
1. Use Dark Chocolate
Substitute regular cocoa powder with dark cocoa or unsweetened dark chocolate for a lower-sugar, more antioxidant-rich version of brigadeiros.
2. Roll in Nuts
Instead of sprinkles, try rolling your brigadeiros in crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
3. Use Plant-Based Ingredients
For a vegan version, use sweetened condensed coconut milk and dairy-free butter. These substitutions give the brigadeiros a rich texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
FAQs About Making Brigadeiros
1. How long do brigadeiros last?
Brigadeiros can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
2. Can I make brigadeiros without cocoa powder?
Yes! If you want a non-chocolate version, simply omit the cocoa powder. You can add other flavorings like lemon zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to give the brigadeiros a different taste.
3. Can I make brigadeiros without butter?
Yes, you can make brigadeiros without butter, but the butter adds richness and helps the mixture set properly. If you prefer, you can substitute it with coconut oil or omit it altogether, though the texture may be slightly different.
4. What can I serve with brigadeiros?
Brigadeiros are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of Brazilian coffee, espresso, or a glass of sweet wine. They’re often served as part of a larger dessert spread at parties or enjoyed with other Brazilian treats like beijinho (coconut balls) and quindim (coconut flan).
5. Can I make brigadeiros with less sugar?
Since the sweetness in brigadeiros comes from the sweetened condensed milk, it’s difficult to reduce the sugar without affecting the texture. However, you can opt for dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Brigadeiros are a beloved part of Brazilian culture and a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their rich, fudgy texture and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. This simple recipe allows you to create delicious brigadeiros in your own kitchen, and with a few variations, you can customize them to suit your taste. Whether rolled in classic chocolate sprinkles or coated in coconut flakes, brigadeiros are a delightful sweet treat that everyone will love.