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Brigadeiros Recipe (Brazilian Chocolate Balls)

Indulge in our brigadeiros recipe, featuring rich and fudgy Brazilian chocolate balls that melt in your mouth and deliver a touch of sweetness to any party. It comes with a video and step by step photos. 

Prep Time
22 mins
Cook Time
22 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 28 brigadeiros
Calories: 49 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 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 unsalted 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.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract OPTIONAL
  • Chocolate vermicelli or good quality chocolate sprinkles Enough to cover the chocolate balls

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  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

  • ALTERNATIVE serving suggestions: If you don't get the right consistency and the cooked mixture is too soft and can't be rolled into balls, the alternative is to serve brigadeiros piped on spoons or into shot glasses/cups to be eaten with small spoons almost like a shot of pudding-- as we do in Brazil. 
  • How to make brigadeiros in the microwave (alternative method):
  • If your microwave is 900 watts, let the mixture cook on full power for about 6 minutes -- removing and stirring at least every 2 minutes, or until thick enough to be rolled (when it cools down, the mixture will be thicker). 
  • While it is cooking, do not leave the microwave unattended because the mixture will rise and possibly bubble over, making a mess. Every time it rises, pause until the mixture settles back down. If 1100 watts, cook at 80 % power. Double batches take more time to cook. 
  • Follow the instructions above on how to mix the ingredients in a deep microwave-safe bowl.  
  • If your microwave is 900 watts, let the mixture cook on full power for about 6 minutes -- removing and stirring at least every 2 minutes, or until thick enough to be rolled (when it cools down, the mixture will be thicker). 
  • While it is cooking, do not leave the microwave unattended because the mixture will rise and possibly bubble over, making a mess. Every time it rises, pause until the mixture settles back down. If 1100 watts, cook at 80 % power. Double batches take more time to cook. 
  • Then follow the steps above for how to cool, roll, and serve brigadeiros. 

Nutrition Information

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 28brigadeiros

Amount Per Serving

Calories 49

% 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.