Delicious Beijinho: A Traditional Brazilian Sweet Treat Recipe

Ingredients

2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 jar of coconut cream (200g)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of shredded coconut
50 small paper candy cups

Steps and instructions

In a non-stick saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and coconut cream.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until it begins to separate from the bottom of the pan.
Once the mixture is thick enough, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
While the mixture is cooling, spread the granulated sugar and shredded coconut in two separate shallow dishes.
Once cooled, grease your hands with a bit of butter and take spoonfuls of the mixture to shape into small balls.
Roll the balls in the granulated sugar first, and then in the shredded coconut, ensuring they are fully coated.
Place each ball into a paper candy cup.
Store the Beijinhos in the refrigerator until they are firm, or until you are ready to serve them.

Tools for making

Non-stick saucepan - A saucepan that has a non-stick coating to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
Shallow dishes - Two shallow dishes to spread the granulated sugar and shredded coconut for coating the Beijinhos.
Paper candy cups - Small paper cups used for serving and storing the Beijinhos.
Butter - Used for greasing hands to shape the Beijinhos.

Recipe variations

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for a hint of vanilla flavor.
Replace the shredded coconut with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
Instead of using paper candy cups, shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation.
Add finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the mixture for some added crunch.
For a tropical twist, substitute the coconut cream with pineapple juice.
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate-flavored Beijinho.
Replace the sweetened condensed milk with condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Instead of rolling the balls in granulated sugar and shredded coconut, coat them with crushed cookies or graham crackers.

Recipe overview

Beijinho, which translates to 'little kiss', is a traditional Brazilian dessert that is often served at birthday parties and other special occasions. These little coconut candies are delightfully sweet and irresistibly creamy, making them a favorite treat for both adults and children alike. With a soft coconut center and a crispy sugary coating, they deliver a satisfying contrast of textures in each bite. The recipe involves cooking a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and coconut cream until thick, then shaping it into small balls before rolling in sugar and shredded coconut. The Beijinhos are finally placed in candy cups and refrigerated until firm. Although the process might seem a bit laborious, the delicious result is well worth the effort. Get ready to wow your guests with these scrumptious bite-sized delights!

Common questions

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? No, sweetened condensed milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it provides the desired sweetness and thickness. Regular milk will not yield the same results.
Can I substitute margarine for unsalted butter? While you can use margarine as a substitute, the taste and texture may differ slightly from using unsalted butter. It is recommended to use unsalted butter for the best results.
What if I don't have coconut cream? If you don't have coconut cream, you can substitute it with coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the Beijinhos may be slightly different.
Can I use desiccated coconut instead of shredded coconut? Yes, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for shredded coconut. However, shredded coconut provides a more textured appearance to the Beijinhos.
How long do the Beijinhos need to chill in the refrigerator? It is recommended to chill the Beijinhos in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set properly.
How long can I store the Beijinhos? The Beijinhos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - Needed to cook the mixture over medium heat.
Non-stick spatula - To stir the mixture and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Shallow dishes - Used to spread the granulated sugar and shredded coconut for coating the Beijinhos.
Butter knife - Used to grease your hands when shaping the Beijinhos into balls.
Paper candy cups - Used to hold and serve the Beijinhos.

Origin stories

Beijinho, which translates to "little kiss" in Portuguese, is a beloved traditional sweet from Brazil, typically served at birthday celebrations, weddings, and other festive events. What makes this treat truly special is its unique combination of condensed milk, butter, and coconut, ingredients that symbolize Brazil's rich agricultural heritage and its connection to the land. The practice of rolling these candies in sugar and shredded coconut is said to have evolved from the Portuguese tradition of using eggs and sugar to create indulgent confections. Today, each delicious bite of a Beijinho is a tribute to the resilient spirit of Brazil and its diverse cultural influences.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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