Delightful Beijinhos: A Traditional Brazilian Coconut Candy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1/2 cup of coconut flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • Extra coconut flakes for rolling (about 1 cup)
  • 30 whole cloves for decoration

Steps and instructions

  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and coconut flakes over medium heat.
  2. Stir the mixture continuously for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens and starts to pull away from the bottom and sides of the pan.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  4. Once the mixture is cool, use your hands to shape it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  5. Roll each ball in the extra coconut flakes until it's fully coated.
  6. Stick a clove into the top of each ball for decoration.
  7. Place the finished beijinhos on a plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to firm up.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Replace the coconut flakes with chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
  • For a citrus twist, add the zest of a lemon or orange to the mixture before cooking.
  • If you prefer a chocolatey version, mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the sweetened condensed milk mixture before cooking.
  • Add a tablespoon of rum or your favorite liqueur to the mixture for an adult twist.
  • If you are not a fan of cloves, you can omit them or replace them with small decorative candies.
  • For a healthier alternative, use unsweetened condensed milk and replace the butter with coconut oil.
  • Experiment with different coatings like crushed cookies, sprinkles, or finely chopped chocolate.

Recipe overview

Beijinhos, also known as 'little kisses', are delightful and delicious Brazilian coconut candies that are popular at parties and celebrations. This recipe will guide you through the simple and easy process of making these tasty treats at home. You'll start by cooking sweetened condensed milk with butter and coconut flakes, then shaping the mixture into small balls and rolling them in more coconut. A clove is added for a traditional touch and a bit of contrast in flavor. The result is a sweet, creamy candy with a hint of coconut and a unique texture. Expect to be amazed and to amaze your guests with these little gems. Beijinhos are not only tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy the process and the outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use unsweetened condensed milk instead? No, it is important to use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe as it provides both sweetness and the desired texture for the beijinhos.
  2. Can I substitute margarine for butter? Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor may slightly differ.
  3. Can I use desiccated coconut instead of coconut flakes? Yes, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for coconut flakes. However, the texture of the beijinhos may be slightly different.
  4. Can I skip the cloves? Yes, you can skip adding cloves if you prefer. They are mainly used for decoration and can be omitted without affecting the taste or texture of the beijinhos.
  5. How long do these beijinhos stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, beijinhos can stay fresh for up to one week.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used to cook the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and coconut flakes.
  • Wooden spoon - Ideal for stirring the mixture while cooking.
  • Plate - Used to hold the beijinhos before refrigerating.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the beijinhos and allow them to firm up.

Origin stories

Beijinhos, which translates to "little kisses", is a classic Brazilian sweet that is often served at birthday parties and other celebrations. This treat has its roots in the Portuguese tradition of making sweets with egg yolks and sugar. When the Portuguese colonized Brazil, they adapted their traditional recipes to the ingredients that were available locally. The abundance of coconuts in Brazil led to the creation of Beijinhos, replacing the egg yolks with condensed milk and adding coconut flakes for texture and flavor. The clove on top of each Beijinho is a delightful final touch that adds an unexpected burst of flavor, and also serves as a warning for the unwary to remove it before indulging in this sweet coconut kiss.

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.