Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian sweet made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations and indulgent treats!
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
12
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- 4
Once slightly cool, grease your hands with a bit of butter, then scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls (about the size of a cherry).
- 5
Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
- 6
Place the brigadeiros on a plate and optionally garnish with chopped parsley or lime zest for a fresh touch, if desired.
- 7
Serve the brigadeiros at room temperature.
Tips
Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
Use a non-stick saucepan for easier cleanup.
For variety, try rolling brigadeiros in finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes instead of sprinkles.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Avoid putting Brigadeiros in the fridge as they can lose their texture.
- If you plan to keep them longer, freeze the brigadeiros and thaw when ready to serve.
Substitutions
- Use margarine instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
- Cocoa powder can be replaced with chocolate syrup for a sweeter variation.
- For a healthier option, try almond meal instead of chocolate sprinkles.
What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit salad
- Coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream
Common Mistakes
- Not stirring frequently enough, leading to burning.
- Letting the mixture cool too much before rolling—this will make it difficult to shape.
- Rolling in moist sprinkles, which may cause them to stick and clump.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt semi-sweet chocolate and use it in place of cocoa powder, adjusting the quantities to achieve the desired flavor.
How should I store Brigadeiro?
Keep Brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I add flavors to Brigadeiro?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of rum for a different flavor profile.
Kitchen tools
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Blender
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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