Brigadeiro Tradicional
A beloved Brazilian chocolate confection with deep cocoa flavor and fudgy texture. These elegant little balls are the most popular treat at birthday parties across Brazil.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 24
- Calories
- 95
- Protein
- 1g
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chocolate sprinkles (nonpareils)
Instructions
- 1
Pour 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Set the pan over medium heat.
- 2
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan as the mixture heats. The mixture will be thin at first but will gradually darken and thicken as moisture evaporates — this should take 8-10 minutes. You want to achieve a thick, fudgy consistency that pulls away slightly from the sides of the pan when you drag your spoon across it. If you're unsure, drop a tiny spoonful onto a plate — it should hold its shape without spreading.
- 3
Once the mixture reaches the right consistency, transfer it to a small bowl and let it cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to help it cool evenly.
- 4
Once cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, lightly oil or butter your fingertips (this prevents sticking). Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the brigadeiro mixture and roll it between your palms into a tight ball roughly the size of a walnut. Place it on a parchment-lined plate.
- 5
Repeat with the remaining mixture until all brigadeiros are formed — you should have about 24 balls.
- 6
Pour 0.5 cup of chocolate sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Roll each brigadeiro ball in the sprinkles, turning to coat all sides evenly. Place the finished brigadeiros in small paper candy cups (traditional at Brazilian celebrations) or serve on a dessert platter. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days at room temperature, though they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Tools you’ll need
- heavy-bottomed saucepan
- wooden spoon
- small bowl
- parchment paper
- shallow bowl
- small paper candy cups (optional)
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