Traditional Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
chocolate sprinkles, for rolling

Steps and instructions

Grease a deep dish with a small amount of butter and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons of butter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts to peel away or show the bottom of the pan when you scrape it with your spatula (10 to 15 minutes).
When the brigadeiro mix is ready, remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
Transfer the brigadeiro mixture to the prepared dish and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the mixture is cool, start making the brigadeiros. Smear your hands with butter, scoop small amounts of the brigadeiro mix with a teaspoon, and roll them into small balls.
Put the chocolate sprinkles in a bowl. Roll the brigadeiro balls in the sprinkles until they are fully covered.
Place the finished brigadeiros in mini cupcake liners or simply on a plate. They are now ready to be served.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Needed to cook the brigadeiro mixture over the heat.
Spatula - Used to stir and scrape the brigadeiro mixture from the saucepan.
Deep dish - A greased dish used to transfer and cool the brigadeiro mixture.
Teaspoon - To scoop small amounts of brigadeiro mixture and shape them into balls.
Butter - Used to smear hands and prevent sticking when rolling the brigadeiro balls.
Bowl - To hold the chocolate sprinkles used for coating the brigadeiro balls.
Mini cupcake liners - Optional, used to serve the brigadeiros and add a decorative touch.

Recipe variations

White Chocolate Brigadeiro: Substitute the unsweetened cocoa powder with white chocolate chips or white chocolate powder.
Nutty Brigadeiro: Add chopped nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to the brigadeiro mixture before cooking.
Coconut Brigadeiro: Roll the brigadeiros in shredded coconut instead of chocolate sprinkles.
Flavored Brigadeiro: Add flavored extracts such as strawberry, coffee, or almond to the brigadeiro mixture for different flavor variations.
Crunchy Brigadeiro: Mix in crushed cookies, like chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers, into the brigadeiro mixture for added texture.
Spiced Brigadeiro: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder into the brigadeiro mixture for a unique twist.
Decorative Brigadeiro: Dip the brigadeiros in melted chocolate and decorate them with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter.
Alcohol-infused Brigadeiro: Add a small amount of your favorite liqueur or spirit, such as rum or whiskey, to the brigadeiro mixture for an adult twist.

Recipe overview

Brigadeiro is a cherished Brazilian sweet and a must-have at any Brazilian party. This simple yet rich dessert is made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles. It’s the Brazilian version of a chocolate truffle, but it's so much more. It’s decadent, creamy, and the perfect bite-sized treat for any celebration, or to simply satisfy your sweet tooth. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make authentic Brigadeiro from scratch. We'll guide you through each step, from simmering the ingredients to rolling the mixture into delightful little balls. It may require a bit of patience, especially when waiting for the mixture to cool down, but trust us, the end result is more than worth it. Ready to dive in? Let's start creating these scrumptious Brazilian treats!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - Yes, you can use salted butter if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the taste of the brigadeiros.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder? - Yes, you can use different types of cocoa powder, such as Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder. Just make sure it is unsweetened.
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with something else? - No, sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in brigadeiros and cannot be easily substituted.
Can I add other ingredients to the brigadeiro mix? - Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding nuts, shredded coconut, or other flavorings to the mixture before cooking.
Can I make brigadeiros in advance? - Yes, brigadeiros can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze brigadeiros? - Yes, you can freeze brigadeiros. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated with parchment paper, and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan is needed to cook the brigadeiro mixture.
Spatula - A spatula is essential for stirring the brigadeiro mixture while cooking.
Deep dish - A deep dish is required to transfer and cool the brigadeiro mixture.
Teaspoon - A teaspoon is used to scoop small amounts of the brigadeiro mixture to form the brigadeiro balls.
Butter - Butter is useful for greasing the dish and smearing on hands to prevent the brigadeiro mixture from sticking.
Chocolate sprinkles - Chocolate sprinkles are used to roll the brigadeiro balls and add a decorative touch.
Mini cupcake liners - Mini cupcake liners can be used to present the brigadeiros for serving.

Origin stories

Brigadeiro is a delightful sweet treat that hails from Brazil. Its creation dates back to the 1940s, around the time of a presidential election. The story goes that the sweet was named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, a candidate in the election. Gomes was quite a character, a handsome Air Force Brigadier who was well-known for his slogan, "Vote for the brigadier, who is handsome and single." His supporters decided to create a confection to raise funds, but due to post-war shortages, traditional confectionery ingredients were hard to come by. Instead, they used condensed milk, butter, and chocolate to make what we know today as Brigadeiro. While Brigadier Gomes didn't win the presidency, his namesake sweet won the hearts of all Brazilians and has become a national treasure, served at birthday parties and celebrations across the country.

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.