Brigadeiros are a traditional Brazilian treat made with condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make and always a 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 well-known Brigadier General in Brazil during World War II. They were created because chocolate was hard to find during the war, but cocoa powder was easy to find.
They’re made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa, and coated with sprinkles.
Ingredients
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to keep the sweetness just right.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make sure to use full-fat.
- Cocoa Powder: Use regular cocoa powder, not Dutch-process, for the right flavor.
- Salt: A little salt makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!
- Chocolate Sprinkles (or cocoa powder):You can use colorful sprinkles for a festive look, or stick with classic chocolate sprinkles for tradition.
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 Tips
- Prep a Plate: Buttering the plate helps the mixture not stick when it cools.
- Cook the Mixture: Keep stirring to avoid burning or sticking.
- Check the Mixture: f it’s too runny, cook a little longer until it thickens more.
- Cool: Let it cool completely so it’s easier to roll into balls.
- Roll into Balls: If the mixture sticks to your hands, butter them again for easier rolling.
- Coat with Sprinkles: Use a plate with a shallow layer of sprinkles to make rolling easier.
- Chill Again: This helps them firm up before serving. Enjoy!
Storage
Storing Brigaderios
Chill for 30 minutes after cooking, then roll, dip in sprinkles, and refrigerate for another 15–30 minutes. Keep in the fridge for up to 12 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. After rolling in sprinkles, freeze on a parchment-lined sheet, then store in a sealed bag. Thaw in the fridge.
More No-Bake Treats
- Rice Krispie Treats with marshmallows
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake with an oreo crust
- Puppy Chow with peanut butter and chocolate
- Edible Cookie Dough with chocolate chips
- No Bake Healthy Breakfast Cookies perfect way to start your day
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!