Brigadeiro Recipe (Brazilian Chocolate Balls)
A classic Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe makes soft, fudgy chocolate balls with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, all coated in chocolate sprinkles for a traditional Brazilian dessert.
Servings 28 brigadeiros
Calories48.5 kcal
Cost $ 0.10 per person
Equipment
- 1 medium non-stick, wide saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 plate to cool the mixture
- ½ tablespoon to use as a measurement to roll the mixture into balls
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk – 1 can
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa powder
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter – softened, plus extra for greasing the plate and hands
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – optional
- chocolate vermicelli or good-quality chocolate sprinkles – enough to coat the chocolate balls
Instructions
Stovetop Brigadeiros
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium, wide, nonstick saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and unsalted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat on a large burner. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 5–8 minutes, until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan.Note: Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir. The mixture is ready when you can briefly see the bottom of the pan before the chocolate mixture settles back into place. Remove from the heat and stir in the optional vanilla extract.
- Cool the mixture: Transfer the cooked mixture to a greased plate. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
- Shape the brigadeiros: Lightly butter your hands. Scoop out portions with a ½-tablespoon or 1-tablespoon measure, then roll them into balls.
- Coat with sprinkles: Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until completely coated.
- Serve or store: Place the brigadeiros in small paper candy cups and serve. If not serving immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for 4–7 days, or in freezer-safe bags for up to 30 days.
Microwave Brigadeiros
- Combine the ingredients: Place the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a deep microwave-safe bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Microwave the mixture: Cook in a 900-watt microwave on full power for approximately 6 minutes. Remove the bowl and stir at least every 2 minutes, until the mixture is thick enough to roll after cooling.Note: Do not leave the microwave unattended. The mixture can rise and bubble over, so pause whenever it rises and resume once it settles. For a 1100-watt microwave, cook at 80% power. Double batches require additional cooking time.
- Add the vanilla: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the optional vanilla extract.
- Cool the mixture: Transfer to a greased plate and let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
- Shape the brigadeiros: Lightly butter your hands. Scoop out portions with a ½-tablespoon or 1-tablespoon measure, then roll them into balls.
- Coat and serve: Roll the brigadeiros in chocolate sprinkles until completely coated. Place them in small paper candy cups.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
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Increase the unsweetened cocoa powder from 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup for a richer chocolate flavor.
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During summer, reduce the butter to 1 teaspoon to help the brigadeiros hold their shape when rolling.
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Let the mixture cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Lightly butter your hands before shaping the balls.
Storage and Freezing
Room Temperature: Store brigadeiros in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent the chocolate coating from softening. Refrigerate: Keep the candies in an airtight container for 4–7 days. Refrigeration makes the centers firmer. Let them sit briefly at room temperature before serving for a softer, fudgier texture. Freezer: Freeze brigadeiros in sealed freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 30 days. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator, then allow them to soften slightly before serving.Nutrition
Calories: 48.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.9g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 1.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 5.4mg | Sodium: 18.1mg | Potassium: 58.3mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 7.7g | Vitamin A: 44.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 40.8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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