Brigadeiros: A traditional Brazilian treat combining condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ready-to-eat chocolate sprinkle-covered Brigadeiros.

My mom grew up in Brazil and spent a few of her adults years there. Growing up, she always made these fudge-y treats and Acai Bowls for us.

What Are Brigadeiros?

It’s said that Brigadeiros were named after a Brigadier General who was popular in Brazil during World War II. The reason they were created is that chocolate was scarce during the war, but cocoa powder was readily available.

They’re made of sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and sprinkles covering the outside layer.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and prevents sticking.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and creamy texture.
Regular Cocoa Powder: Delivers chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Sprinkles or Cocoa Powder: Used for coating, adding texture and extra chocolate taste.

Quick Tip

Have you ever made fudge using chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk? That’s the same concept for Brigadeiros, too, but they don’t get as thick and firm.

How To Make Brigadeiros

Melt butter in a pan.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder.
Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
Let the mixture cool.
Form into small balls.
Roll them in chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder.
Enjoy your delicious Brigadeiros!

Storage

Storing Brigaderios

Storage: Chill Brigadeiros immediately after cooking for 30 minutes, then roll, dip in sprinkles, and refrigerate for an additional 15-30 minutes. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 days.
Freezing: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. After rolling in sprinkles, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to an airtight bag and freeze. Thaw in the fridge.

More No-Bake Treats

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5 from 4 votes

Brigadeiros

By Chelsea Lords

Ultra-chocolatey Brigadeiros are a classic Brazilian treat made with condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make and always a hit!

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Chilling Time: 30

Total Time: 55

Servings: brigadeiros

Equipment

10-to-12-inch pot nonstick

Ingredients

▢ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
▢ 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk not low-fat or fat-free
▢ 1/3 cup cocoa powder not Dutch-process
▢ 1/8 teaspoon salt
▢ Chocolate sprinkles or additional cocoa powder, for decorating

Instructions

Soften 1 tablespoon butter and rub it over a large plate. Set aside.
In a nonstick 10-to-12-inch pot over medium-low heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and add sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Reduce heat slightly. Stir nonstop 8–13 minutes or until mixture begins to pull away from the edge of the pot; it should be very thick. To check if it’s done, run a wooden spoon through the center and make sure it takes a few seconds to melt back into the center. Transfer mixture to the prepared plate and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
When the mixture is set, butter your hands to prevent sticking, and pull off a portion of the mixture (about 1/2 to 1 full tablespoon). Roll mixture between your hands to get a perfectly round ball. Repeat with remaining mixture to get about 12 balls. Pour sprinkles (or cocoa powder) on a flat plate and roll the balls into the sprinkles (or cocoa powder) to coat.
Best enjoyed the same day!

Recipe Notes

Storage: To store, chill Brigadeiros for 30 minutes immediately after cooking, then roll, dip in sprinkles, and refrigerate for an additional 15–30 minutes. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. After rolling in sprinkles, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to an airtight bag and freeze. Thaw in the fridge.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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