If you’ve ever visited Brazil or been lucky enough to attend a Brazilian-themed party, there’s one little treat you can’t miss: the Brigadeiro. These bite-sized spheres of chocolatey goodness are more than just sweets; they’re a cultural icon, a symbol of celebration, and a bite of pure joy.
Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of comfort food, blending nostalgia and indulgence in one perfect bite. That’s exactly what Brigadeiro is. Traditionally made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, these treats are rolled into small balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. They’re rich, fudgy, and melt in your mouth, making it nearly impossible to stop at just one.
Brigadeiro dates back to the 1940s and has an interesting story behind its creation. It’s said that the treat was named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, a handsome Brazilian Air Force officer who ran for president. While his campaign didn’t succeed, the sweet created in his honour certainly did! Women promoting his campaign made these sweets to share during rallies, and they became a hit. Decades later, Brigadeiro remains a cherished part of Brazilian culinary culture.
What makes Brigadeiro so special isn’t just its taste but its role in Brazilian life. These treats are a staple at birthday parties, weddings, and festive gatherings. In fact, no Brazilian birthday party feels complete without a platter of Brigadeiros taking centre stage on the dessert table. They’re often served in colourful cupcake liners, adding an extra festive touch.
The beauty of Brigadeiro lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients to make it, which has made it accessible across generations. Despite its humble origins, it has a versatility that can rival any gourmet dessert. Today, you’ll find variations of Brigadeiro flavoured with everything from coffee and coconut to exotic ingredients like passionfruit or pistachios. There are even Brigadeiro boutiques in Brazil and around the world that elevate this treat to an art form.
Beyond the parties and celebrations, Brigadeiro has become a comfort food for many Brazilians. Feeling down? Make a batch of Brigadeiro. Celebrating a win? Brigadeiro is the answer. It’s a dessert that adapts to any mood, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
If you’re ever offered a Brigadeiro, don’t hesitate—take it. With its rich history, delightful texture, and universal appeal, this Brazilian gem is more than just a sweet; it’s a taste of happiness wrapped in sprinkles. So next time you’re thinking of a treat to brighten your day, remember the little chocolate ball that has been spreading joy in Brazil for over 80 years.
Brazilian Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is a classic Brazilian dessert made with just a few simple ingredients: condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. These rich and fudgy chocolate balls are the perfect treat for celebrations or a sweet pick-me-up.
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Servings: 20 Balls
Calories: 70kcal
Ingredients
- 14 oz condensed milk sweetened
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter plus extra for greasing your hands
- chocolate sprinkle for coating
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter. Mix well to ensure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated.14 oz condensed milk, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- After about 8–10 minutes, the mixture will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. It’s ready when you can run your spoon through the centre, and it leaves a visible trail.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased plate or shallow dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
- Grease your hands with a bit of butter and scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.chocolate
- Place the Brigadeiro in mini cupcake liners for serving, or arrange them on a plate.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 0.1mg
12 comments
Thought I would try something different and this recipe was it.they lasted minutes with the family ‘arrived’ in the kitchen. A success I would say.
I made a batch of Brigadeiro for a friend’s housewarming, and they were the star of the dessert table
My only issue was that they were a bit sticky to roll, but greasing my hands helped. They were absolutely worth the effort—my family loved them
I can’t believe such a simple recipe can taste this good
They’re so cute and easy to personalise with different coatings.
Brigadeiro is a delightful treat that brings a lot of flavour with minimal effort.
it’s super easy to make and taste wonderful.
It’s so quick and easy to whip up, and the creamy, chocolatey texture is incredibly comforting.
The rich and fudgy texture is so satisfying, and the sprinkles add just the right amount of fun.
Brigadeiro is my new go-to dessert when I’m craving something sweet.
I enjoyed making these, but they were a little too sweet for my taste. Next time, I might try using darker cocoa powder to balance the sweetness.
I wrapped them in decorative boxes, and everyone thought they were from a fancy chocolatier.