Brigadeiro is a classic Brazilian confection, often dubbed the “national truffle” of Brazil, and a staple at celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and holidays. This rich, fudgy treat is made from a simple combination of sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, cooked into a thick chocolate mixture, then rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. Named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a 1940s Brazilian politician, this sweet has become a cultural icon, symbolizing joy and festivity. Its smooth, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor make it an irresistible indulgence, often enjoyed straight from the spoon or as a rolled truffle.
Ingredients (Makes about 15-20 Brigadeiros)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (395g / 14 oz)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3 tbsp (15g), sifted to avoid lumps
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tbsp (15g), plus extra for greasing hands
- Pinch of Salt: To enhance chocolate flavor (optional)
- Chocolate Sprinkles: 1/2 cup (100g), for rolling (can use jimmies or vermicelli)
- Optional Add-ins: 1 tsp vanilla extract or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (non-stick preferred)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Plate or tray (greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Small bowl (for chocolate sprinkles)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Small cookie scoop or spoon for shaping
Preparation Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 10-15 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Lightly grease a plate or tray with a small amount of butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is where you’ll place the brigadeiro mixture to cool.
- Pour the chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl and set aside for rolling the brigadeiros later. If you prefer alternative coatings like crushed nuts, coconut, or cocoa powder, prepare those instead.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sifted cocoa powder, and unsalted butter. Add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance the chocolate flavor. If using vanilla extract or heavy cream, add it here as well.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula before heating to ensure the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This step helps prevent uneven cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom or burning, as condensed milk can scorch easily.
- After about 5 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a thick, fudgy consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it pulls away from the bottom of the pan as you stir, and you can see the bottom of the pan for a few seconds before the mixture flows back. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still soft and pliable.
- If using a thermometer, the mixture should reach around 200°F (93°C), but the visual test (pulling away from the pan) is more reliable for this recipe. The exact time can vary depending on your stove and pan, so rely on the texture.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
- Once the mixture is thick, remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the mixture to the greased plate or tray, spreading it out evenly to cool faster.
- Let it cool to room temperature, which takes about 30-45 minutes. To speed up the process, you can place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, but don’t let it get too cold, as it will harden and be difficult to roll. The mixture should be cool enough to handle but still soft.
Step 5: Shape the Brigadeiros
- Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly grease your hands with a tiny bit of butter to prevent sticking.
- Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture (approximately 15-20g per ball). Roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used, making around 15-20 balls. If the mixture starts sticking to your hands, re-grease them lightly.
- If the mixture is too soft to roll, it may need more cooling time. If it’s too hard, you may have overcooked it; next time, reduce the cooking time slightly.
Step 6: Coat the Brigadeiros
- Roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press gently to help the sprinkles stick. Place the coated brigadeiros on a clean plate or tray.
- If you prefer a different coating, you can roll them in cocoa powder, granulated sugar, or crushed nuts for a modern twist. Some variations even use colored sprinkles for a festive look.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Place the brigadeiros in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up slightly. They should be soft and fudgy but hold their shape well.
- Serve at room temperature in small paper liners (like mini cupcake liners) for a festive presentation. Brigadeiros are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Texture Adjustment: If the mixture is too soft to roll after cooling, you may have undercooked it. You can return it to the pan and cook for a few more minutes to thicken. If it’s too hard, you may have overcooked it; next time, reduce the cooking time slightly or add a splash of heavy cream during cooking for a softer texture.
- Flavor Variations: For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder or substitute 1 tbsp of cocoa powder with 50g of melted dark chocolate. You can also add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum for an adult version.
- Storage: If storing, keep brigadeiros in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving Style: In Brazil, brigadeiros are sometimes served straight from the pot with a spoon (known as “brigadeiro de colher”) for a more casual treat. For this, cook the mixture slightly less, so it remains gooey.
Nutritional Notes (Per Brigadeiro, Approximate)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Fat: 3g (from butter and condensed milk)
- Carbohydrates: 12g (from condensed milk and sprinkles)
- Protein: 1g
- Brigadeiros are a rich treat, high in sugar and fat, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cultural Context
Brigadeiro holds a special place in Brazilian culture, originating in the 1940s during Eduardo Gomes’ presidential campaign. Supporters created this sweet to raise funds, naming it after his military rank, “Brigadeiro” (Brigadier). Its simplicity—using ingredients like condensed milk, which were widely available—made it a hit, and it quickly became a symbol of celebration. Today, brigadeiros are a must-have at Brazilian parties, often paired with other sweets like beijinho (coconut truffles), reflecting Brazil’s love for communal, joyful gatherings.
This recipe captures the essence of traditional brigadeiro, delivering a rich, chocolatey treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing at any festive occasion.
