Brigadeiro
Indulge in the sweet, fudgy world of brigadeiro, a beloved Brazilian dessert that captures the essence of chocolate bliss. These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, brigadeiros are a must-try. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these chocolatey bites that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
– 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
– 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– Chocolate sprinkles for coating
– Optional: crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or powdered sugar for variety
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 15 brigadeiros. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 brigadeiro) contains approximately:
– Calories: 80
– Total Fat: 4g
– Saturated Fat: 2.5g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on one brigadeiro serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
6. Scoop out a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a cherry.
7. Roll the ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
8. Place the brigadeiro on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Repeat the rolling and coating process until all the mixture is used.
10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up the brigadeiros.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute cocoa powder with chocolate or caramel sauce for different flavors. For a healthier option, consider using natural sweeteners or dark chocolate.
Serving and Pairings
Brigadeiros are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a lovely addition to dessert platters.
Storage and Reheating
Store brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness. Freezing brigadeiros is possible; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t rush the cooking process; ensure the mixture thickens properly.
– Avoid using high heat to prevent burning.
– Make sure to grease your hands to avoid stickiness.
– Use a non-stick pan for easier cooking and cleaning.
– Allow the mixture to cool adequately before rolling.
– Experiment with coating options to find your favorite.
– If too soft, refrigerate the mixture before rolling.
Helpful Tips
– Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
– For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the mixture.
– Decorate brigadeiros with colorful sprinkles for special occasions.
– Always taste the mixture before rolling to adjust sweetness if needed.
FAQs
What is brigadeiro?
Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian sweet made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, often rolled in chocolate sprinkles. It’s a popular treat for celebrations and parties.
Can brigadeiro be made in advance?
Yes, brigadeiros can be made a few days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How long can brigadeiros be stored?
Brigadeiros can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I make brigadeiro without cocoa powder?
Absolutely! You can substitute cocoa powder with ingredients like matcha, caramel, or fruit purees for different flavors.
Are brigadeiros gluten-free?
Yes, brigadeiros are naturally gluten-free as they contain no flour or gluten-based ingredients.
Conclusion
Brigadeiro is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings joy to every bite. Whether you enjoy them at a party or as a sweet treat for yourself, these chocolatey delights are sure to please. Try making them today and share the love of brigadeiro with friends and family!

Brigadeiro
Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Chocolate sprinkles for coating
- Optional: crushed nuts coconut flakes, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
- Scoop out a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a cherry.
- Roll the ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
- Place the brigadeiro on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the rolling and coating process until all the mixture is used.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up the brigadeiros.