Brigadeiro - Brazilian Chocolate Truffles

Brigadeiro is a delicious chocolate confection that is staple in Brazil! These homemade, fudge truffles are super simple and only require 4 ingredients. They are soft, chewy and deliciously chocolatey. You'll be amazed at how easy this brigadeiro recipe is!

What is brigadeiro?

Brigaderio, beigadeiro, brigadario, brazilian brigadero, brigadeieo.... the names go on and on!

The way I describe brigadeiro to everyone is…imagine the fudgiest, smoothest, most delicious chocolatey, caramely candy ever. That is what brigadeiro is.

One bite and you can easily understand why this is an adored treat in Brazilian culture!

If I were to compare it to anything, I would say brigadeiro is like thick, chocolate caramel, but it’s soft and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth at all.

This candy has a silkiness & creaminess; it is just absolutely divine. Heavenly. You will be making all the yummy sounds!

Just take a look…

The traditional version is all chocolate, rolled in chocolate sprinkles but this candy can be made using all kinds of different flavors and coatings. I’ve seen brigadeiro made with fruit flavors, liquor, with white chocolate… I think pretty much anything goes!

Since I’m a brigadeiro newbie, I stuck with classic chocolate but I did experiment with some chopped roasted pistachios and shredded coconut too.

Of course, you can use any sprinkles you prefer too! Chocolate jimmies are a popular topping, enhancing both the visual appeal and texture of the treats.

Definition and Origin

Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian dessert that dates back to the 1940s.

The name “brigadeiro” is derived from the Portuguese word for “brigadier,” a military rank. This delicious treat was created by Heloísa Nabuco de Olivera, who ingeniously used sweetened condensed milk to craft the dessert.

The combination of condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter results in a rich, fudgy confection that has become a favorite among both adults and children in Brazil.

History and Cultural Significance of Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro boasts a rich history and holds significant cultural value in Brazil. The dessert was originally concocted to support Brigadier Eduardo Gomes’ presidential campaign in the 1940s.

Its irresistible taste quickly won over the hearts of Brazilians, making it a staple at birthday parties, weddings, and social gatherings. Today, brigadeiro is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Brazilian cuisine and culture, cherished by people of all ages.

Its popularity has even transcended borders, spreading to other countries and becoming a beloved treat worldwide.

Origins and Popularity

The origins of brigadeiro can be traced back to Brazil in the 1940s, where it rapidly gained popularity. Initially made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, this simple yet delectable dessert captured the nation’s taste buds.

Over time, the traditional brigadeiro recipe has evolved, with countless variations emerging. From incorporating milk chocolate to experimenting with different coatings like finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes, brigadeiro remains a beloved dessert in Brazil, often gracing the tables at parties and special occasions.

How to make brigadeiro with sweetened condensed milk

Aside from this dessert being insanely tasty, brigadeiro is ridiculously easy and fun to make.

You only need 4 ingredients to make brigadeiro -

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Unsalted butter
• Chocolate sprinkles (I recommend Dutch Chocolate Sprinkles, and other delicious things like chopped nuts or coconut to roll them in)

You’ll also need…

• A nonstick skillet or pot
• A wooden spoon
• A shallow bowl
• Candy cups to serve, in case you’re feeling fancy!

That is IT!!!

I’ve seen a few different recipes out there that call for a pinch of salt but I just used salted butter and the flavor is on point. You could always throw some flaky sea salt on the tops too!

This basic recipe is all you need to get you to brigadeiro bliss

The ingredient list is small, but brigadeiro does require some attention. You need to cook the mixture on medium low heat for a good 12-15 minutes to achieve the correct consistency. You have to stir it over the stove for the entire time, do not walk away.

I repeat, do not walk away from the stove!

It’s really not too bad considering there are no other steps needed to make the actual candy part, so I consider it a win!

I actually had a great time standing over the stove and cooking the candy, it’s relaxing! I put on my favorite podcast and it gave me time to add that extra ounce of love and care into the recipe.

Once the mixture is the right consistency, you pour it onto a greased plate and chill it in the fridge for about 2 hours until it firms up. It is important to let the mixture cool to room temperature before you start rolling it into balls.

From there, roll up little balls real chocolate and give them a coating in sprinkles. Brigadeiros are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

How to make the best brigadeiro with chocolate sprinkles

Cook the mixture low and slow and ALWAYS BE STIRRING. You must continually scrape the sides and bottom to prevent burning. Keeping an eye on how the mixture looks at each stage of cooking time is key.

The second factor is (and probably overlooked often) the sprinkles.

Sprinkles matter! If you are making classic, chocolate brigadeiro, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND picking up these Dutch chocolate sprinkles.

The regular, waxy, brown sprinkles have zero flavor and are just not as good.

Authentic Dutch chocolate sprinkles add a whole other layer of chocolate flavor making the best brigadeiro.

You can also use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for a different texture and flavor.

How to know when brigadeiro is done cooking on medium heat

Achieving the perfect consistency for brigadeiro requires careful attention while cooking.

The mixture should be cooked over medium heat, with constant stirring to prevent burning. To test if the brigadeiro is done, drop a small amount onto a plate and let it cool.

If it solidifies and holds its shape, the whole mixture is is ready. If it remains too soft, continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring continuously, and test again. This method ensures that your brigadeiro will have the ideal texture for rolling into balls and coating with chocolate sprinkles or other toppings.

If you watch the video in this post, you'll notice that during cooking process I frequently drag the spatula through the middle of the mixture. I do this so that I can test how quickly the mixture comes back together when I drag my spatula through it.

Brigadeiro is done cooking when you drag the spatula through the middle of the pan and the sides do not move much at all. It should be fully thickened and should stick well to the spatula and be hard to shake it off. At the same time, it should also pull away from the sides of the pan.

Once that happens, cook for another minute or so and pull off the heat. 

Once your brigadeiro is made, you need to let the mixture chill in the fridge. This makes it easy to roll into balls easily.

When ready, roll into small balls (about 1 tablespoon or so, I just eyeball it) and roll tight in between the palms of your hands. Then, roll into the chocolate sprinkles. 

Pop into your cute little candy cups and serve!!

Once your brigadeiro is made, you need to let the mixture chill in the fridge. This makes it easy to roll into balls.

When ready, roll into small balls (about 1 tablespoon or so, I just eyeball it) and roll tight in between the palms of your hands. Then, roll into the chocolate sprinkles. 

Pop into your cute little candy cups and serve!!

How to store brigadeiro

If you’re making the truffles, you need to keep these in the fridge. At room temp, they soften and begin to melt a little. They won’t melt completely, but they’ll become very sticky and messy!

They will last about 5-6 days in plastic container in the fridge if they are well sealed (but I doubt they will last that long!)

I read that some people eat brigadeiro in a small bowl with a spoon (skipping the ball shape). In that case, leaving it out at room temp would be safe, but best to consume within 2-3 days.

You can also freeze the dough mixture for up to 2 months, defrost and then roll them into balls. But honestly, this recipe is so quick to make, it’s best to just make them fresh! For a different texture and appearance, you can also coat the brigadeiros in crystal sugar.

I encourage you to give this recipe a go. I cannot believe it took me THIS LONG to make brigadeiros! They’re SO GOOD and I can’t wait to make them again!!

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