Brigadeiros Recipe (Brazilian Chocolate Balls)

User Reviews

5

165 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    22 mins

  • Cook Time

    8 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    28 brigadeiros

  • Calories

    49 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    Brazilian

Brigadeiros Recipe (Brazilian Chocolate Balls)

Brigadeiros are rich Brazilian chocolate balls made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter cooked until thickened, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles. The sticky, fudgy mixture forms bite-sized treats that balance sweet and chocolate flavors with a creamy yet firm texture. They are a classic dessert or party sweet that can be enjoyed as individual treats or served in small cups if rolling is difficult.

Description

This Brigadeiros recipe uses sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and softened butter cooked together until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan. Adding vanilla extract is optional for extra flavor. After cooking, the mixture cools to a workable temperature before being shaped into small balls and rolled in chocolate vermicelli sprinkles. The chocolate coating provides a textured contrast to the smooth, dense interior.

The final brigadeiros offer a fudgy, chewy consistency with a pronounced chocolate taste tempered by the vanilla and sweetness of condensed milk. They are typically served in paper cups for easy handling and enjoyment. When forming the balls is tricky, the mixture can alternatively be spooned into small cups to be eaten with a small spoon, resembling a pudding-like dessert.

Microwave preparation is an alternative method, requiring timed stirring intervals to prevent overflow and ensure proper thickness. Brigadeiros freeze well and can be stored for several days, making them convenient for prep ahead or celebrations.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk or 1 can
  • 2 tablespoon baking cocoa powder unsweetened ( you may use ¼ cup instead for a richer treat)
  • ½ tablespoon butter softened) plus extra to grease plate and hands. TIP: If preparing our brigadeiros recipe in the summertime, use just 1 teaspoon of butter in the mixture, making it easier to roll into balls without deforming, unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OPTIONAL, pure
  • chocolate sprinkles Enough to cover the chocolate balls, aka chocolate vermicelli; good quality

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and unsalted butter. Whisk well to combine.
  2. Cook the Mixture: Cook the mixture over medium heat (large burner), stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to peel away/show the bottom of the pan when you scrape it with your wooden spoon (about 5-8 minutes). If you want, stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor!
  3. Cool the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and let it cool for at least 30 minutes (or at room temperature). This makes it easier to handle when shaping the brigadeiros.
  4. Shape the Brigadeiros: Once cooled, butter your hands slightly and scoop out small amounts of the mixture. Using a ½ or 1 tablespoon as measurement, roll them into balls.
  5. Coat the Brigadeiros: Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
  6. Serve or Store: Place the brigadeiros in paper cups and enjoy them. If not serving them right away, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can be also stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-7 days, or frozen in Ziploc bags for up to 30 days.

Notes

  • If mixture is too soft to roll, serve brigadeiros spooned into small cups like a pudding.
  • Microwave method: cook mixture in 2-minute intervals stirring between, careful to prevent bubbling over.
  • Vanilla extract is optional but adds flavor depth.
  • Store brigadeiros in an airtight container; they keep well refrigerated.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 49kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 5mg (2%) Sodium 18mg (1%) Potassium 59mg (1%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 44IU (1%) Calcium 41mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 28brigadeiros

Amount Per Serving

Calories 49 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 49kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 18mg 1%
Potassium 59mg 1%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 44IU 1%
Calcium 41mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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