Quick & Sweet: Traditional Brigadeiro Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

Introduction

Brigadeiros are a classic Brazilian treat beloved for their rich, fudgy texture and sweet chocolate flavor. This traditional recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings. You’ll love how quickly these bite-sized delights come together.

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pinch salt
• Chocolate sprinkles (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and butter. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
3. Step 3: Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a fudge-like consistency, about 10–12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can briefly see the bottom of the pan after dragging the spoon across the surface.
4. Step 4: Transfer the thickened chocolate mixture to a flat plate and spread it evenly to cool. Let it reach room temperature—this takes about 30–45 minutes.
5. Step 5: Once cooled, lightly butter your palms to prevent sticking. Pinch off small portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform balls.
6. Step 6: Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated, then place them in paper or foil candy cups for a traditional presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• For a twist, try rolling brigadeiros in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles instead of chocolate sprinkles.
• If mixture sticks too much, chill it briefly before rolling.
• Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor.

Storage

Store brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These treats can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw fully before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness and achieve the authentic flavor. Using sweetened cocoa powder may make the brigadeiros overly sweet.

How do I know when the mixture is cooked enough?

The mixture is ready when it thickens to a fudgy consistency and you can briefly see the bottom of the pan after dragging the spoon across it. This usually takes 10–12 minutes of constant stirring over medium-low heat.

Quick & Sweet: Traditional Brigadeiro Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 530 reviews

Traditional Brazilian Brigadeiro is a beloved sweet treat made by cooking sweetened condensed milk with cocoa powder and butter until thick and fudgy, then rolled into small balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles. This quick and easy recipe yields rich, chocolatey bite-sized desserts perfect for parties or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 20 brigadeiros 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning:

• 1 pinch salt

Coating:

• Good quality chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Gather a small saucepan and combine sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and unsalted butter. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
2. Cook Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Continuously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching and promote even cooking.
3. Thicken Mixture: Keep stirring consistently until the mixture thickens to a fudge-like consistency, which takes around 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can briefly see the bottom of the pan after dragging the spoon across its surface.
4. Cool the Mixture: Carefully transfer the cooked chocolate mixture onto a flat plate. Spread it evenly to allow quicker cooling. Let it cool to room temperature, which usually takes 30-45 minutes.
5. Prepare for Rolling: Once cooled, lightly butter your palms to prevent sticking.
6. Shape Brigadeiros: Portion the mixture and roll it gently into small, uniform spherical shapes using your buttered hands.
7. Coat with Sprinkles: Roll each chocolate ball in a shallow dish of chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
8. Presentation: Place the finished brigadeiros into individual paper or foil candy cups for a traditional and elegant presentation.

Notes

• Originated in Brazil as a beloved birthday party treat, this chocolate truffle-like dessert is a national favorite.
• Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures a smooth, glossy texture that’s crucial for perfect brigadeiros.
• Cool the mixture completely before shaping to avoid sticky, misshapen balls that won’t hold their form.
• Buttered hands make rolling easier and prevent the chocolatey mixture from sticking to your fingers.

Keywords: brigadeiro, Brazilian dessert, chocolate truffles, sweetened condensed milk dessert, party treats, chocolate sprinkles