Brigadeiros are classic Brazilian chocolate truffles that are incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious. These fudgy, condensed milk-based treats are coated in chocolate sprinkles, making them a perfect bite-sized indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Ingredient
Quantity
Butter
1 tablespoon
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can
Unsweetened cocoa
3 tablespoons
Chocolate sprinkles
1 cup
Instructions:
Melt Butter: Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan and melt it over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter in the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Cook and Thicken: Continue to cook the chocolate mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. This is crucial to prevent sticking and burning. Cook until the mixture becomes very thick and the edges start to pull away from the bottom and sides of the pan as you stir. This process usually takes about 10 to 14 minutes. The mixture will transform from a liquid to a thick, almost dough-like consistency.
Chill the Mixture: Once the brigadeiro mixture is thick, remove the saucepan from the heat. Grease an 8×8 inch dish (or a plate with a lip) with butter. Spoon the hot chocolate mixture onto the greased dish and spread it out into a thin, even layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the chocolate to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls.
Prepare for Rolling: When the chocolate mixture is sufficiently chilled, pour the chocolate sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Prepare a serving plate or container where you will place the finished brigadeiros.
Roll into Balls: Remove the chilled chocolate mixture from the refrigerator. Lightly grease the palms of your hands with a little bit of butter. Spoon out small, even portions of the chocolate mixture (about 1 tablespoon each). Gently roll each portion between your greased palms to form smooth, round balls.
Coat with Sprinkles: Immediately after rolling each ball, roll it in the bowl of chocolate sprinkles until it is completely covered on all sides.
Chill Again (Optional): Place the completed brigadeiros on the prepared serving plate or in the container. You can refrigerate the finished brigadeiros for about 30 minutes to an hour to help them firm up even more before serving, but they are also delicious at room temperature.
Serve: Enjoy these rich and fudgy Brazilian Brigadeiros! They are perfect as a sweet treat for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delightful indulgence. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.