Brigadeiros: A traditional Brazilian treat combining condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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
- Rice Krispie Treats
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Puppy Chow
- Edible Cookie Dough
- No Bake Healthy Breakfast Cookies
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
As your sister these are SO easy and so yummy!! they melt in your mouth
So happy to hear that! Thank you 🙂
Any idea how they would fair for a day or two in room temp on a Christmas cookie platter?? I see the fridge is suggested, probably to make that chewy, fudgey texture, but has anyone tried them on a cookie platter?
Amazing your tip on how to freeze the brigadeiros, helped me a lot. Thanks!
So happy to hear that! Thanks Carrie 🙂
Perfect. Thanks for the recipe. I’m going to the kitchen… 😀
You’re welcome! I hope you love it!
I know brigadeiro all too well… I am from Brazil and have been making them for years! They are a staple in any celebration. My daughter loves them and always ask for them in her birthday parties. My American neighbors and her American friends always expect them whenever there is a gathering. Brigadeiros have become quite famous and are being made in a variety of flavors now, there are even some gourmet recipes that are to die for.
So, so fun to hear that!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I hope you LOVE these for Valentine’s Day 🙂
I did it! Check it out: https://mandarinysite.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/valentines-day-candy-card/
Oh my gosh I’m OBSESSED!!! Your card couldn’t be any cuter 🙂 I love it and thank you so much for sharing!
My Tia ( who was born and raised in Brazil) used to make Brigadeiros when she lived here in the U.S. She had given me her recipe but I miss placed it. My Tai now living in back in Brazil is hard to get a hold of, that is why I have been searching the web for a good Brigadeiro recipe. I must say she never made chocolate or any other flavored Brigadeiros, I remember making them with her, she simply used sweetened condensed milk and butter, after chilling the heated mixture in the freezer over night, we would roll and cover the candies with chocolate sprinkles. I am not sure why she didn’t use cocoa in the mixture but i’m ok with that. My family and friends all loved the simple little candies. I would love to try your version of the recipe thank you for sharing it!