Brigadeiro
KOENBrazilianDessert⏱ 17 minEdit history

Brigadeiro

Brazil's beloved party sweet: condensed milk cooked down with cocoa and butter, rolled into balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. Just a few ingredients for a birthday-party classic.

Ingredients

4servings
  • Sweetened condensed milk · about 395g1 can
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder3 tbsp
  • Butter · + more for your hands1 tbsp
  • Chocolate sprinkles (or cocoa)1 to coat
  • Salt · optional1 pinch

Steps

  1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and salt over low heat, stirring constantly (sift the cocoa so it doesn't clump).

    ⏲ 2 min
  2. Keep stirring without stopping 10–12 minutes until the mixture pulls together and you can see the pan bottom when you drag a spoon through.

    ⏲ 12 min
  3. Scrape onto a buttered plate and let it cool completely (room temperature, 30+ minutes).

    ⏲ 30 min
  4. Grease your hands with butter and roll teaspoonfuls into balls.

    ⏲ 5 min
  5. Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles to coat.

    ⏲ 2 min
  6. Set in small paper cups. A short chill firms them up further.

    ⏲ 1 min

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Branquinho: A white version (condensed milk + coconut) instead of cocoa.
  • Beijinho: Add coconut and roll in coconut.
  • Spoonable: Skip rolling and serve in cups as 'brigadeiro de colher.'
  • Nutty: Roll in chopped pistachios or nuts instead of sprinkles.

Tips

  • Stir constantly so it doesn't catch on the bottom and stays smooth.
  • It's ready when the mixture pulls cleanly from the pan as you tilt it.
  • Cool completely before rolling (warm mixture won't hold).
  • Butter your hands and plate so it won't stick.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa — the condensed milk brings the sweetness.

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