These Brazilian Brigadeiros are based on traditional Brazilian chocolate dessert truffles rolled in sprinkles. You won't believe how easy they are to make!
This Brigadeiro, Brazilian Chocolate Dessert Truffle, recipe is so easy, you will not believe it! Brigadeiros are chocolatey, fudgy, soft, and chewy small balls that are rolled in chocolate sprinkles for a divine little sweet bite. They are one of the most traditional Brazilian desserts. You can find in every chocolate shop, pastry store, restaurants, and in homes.
Brigadeiros have been slowly making their way as a new trend in urban areas in the United States. However, they are still relatively unknown. So, let's get the word out! These chocolate fudge balls are little bites of heaven that EVERYONE with a sweet tooth should try!
After you make these delicious Brazilian sweets, add this Brazilian Carrot Cake with Chocolate Topping to your must-make list!
Background: I first tried brigadeiros, the popular Brazilian dessert, about 16 years ago while visiting my boyfriend's (now husband's) family. I usually make them for parties or school functions, where there are many people to enjoy them. Most recently, I had them in Sao Paulo during a visit. Each time, I'm reminded of just how simple and delicious they are.
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Simple Ingredients and Swaps
Let me first say that this recipe really is so simple, that I am not creating anything unique or special here. Rather, I am just sharing a tried and true recipe that works for just about anyone making these. There are of course variations for flavors, but this is your basic chocolate brigadeiros recipe with just a handful of ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon Butter, salted - Many recipes for Brigadeiros call for unsalted butter. However, I am a big fan of little salt with my sweet, so I opt for salted. You can use either.
- 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk - This is the glue in this recipe and what really make the brigadeiros brigadeiros. There really is no simple replacement for this.
- 4 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Any brand of unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate powder will do, but make sure its 100% cocoa or cacao.
- ½ teaspoon of Salt
- 1 cup Sprinkles - The traditional sprinkles are the brown ones. However, you can use any color you want!
- 24 Mini cupcake liners - Cupcake liners help the brigadeiros to not stick to one another.
How to Make Brazilian Chocolate Dessert Truffles
If this is your first time making brigadeiros, you are in for a delicious treat! That's because this is one incredibly EASY brigadeiro recipe!
To a small-medium pot, add the butter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. Heat on medium-low heat and whisk together to combine. I start with a whisk to ensure that everything is fully combined. Then I switch to a spatula once the mixture starts to thicken during the cooking process. You could also use a wooden spoon as it thickens.
Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring as it thickens. It may seem too thin and like it isn't getting thick enough, but don't worry. It will all of a sudden thicken and then when you transfer it to a dish to cool, it will continue to thicken.
It's ready when a spatula scraped along the bottom of the pan leaves a trail for 3-5 seconds or longer. Remove from the heat.
Butter a shallow dish and pour the chocolate into the dish. Place in the refrigerator to cool for 15-20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Get the mini paper cupcake liners ready and the sprinkles in a small bowl.
Once the chocolate has firmed up and cooled, scoop a tablespoon of it up and then roll it into a ball. I just used a measuring tablespoon, but you could also use a large melon baller, a tiny ice cream scoop, or just a soup spoon.
Roll the brigadeiro in sprinkles and then place in mini cupcake paper liners. Do this for all of the brigadeiro little balls.
That's it! Enjoy your delicious Brazilian dessert! Oh, and good luck eating just one!
Brigadeiros Recipe Variations
Different coating options for your Brazilian Chocolate Dessert
Rather than sprinkles, there are lots of other fun options for rolling your brigadeiros in!
- Finely chopped nuts - Almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios are all great options.
- Cocoa Powder - You can roll them in the cocoa powder straight up or mix in little granulated sugar with the powder first.
- Fruit Powder - There are lots of different fruit powder options available that you could roll your brigadeiros in. I would create a one-to-one mixture of granulated sugar and the fruit powder of your choice, mix, and then roll the chocolate balls in the mixture.
- Shredded Coconut - This is a delicious option for changing up the flavor and texture of your brigadeiros. You can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, but I prefer sweetened.
Fruit Flavored Brigadeiros Recipe Variation
If you want fruit flavored vs. chocolate flavored, here are 2 different options.
- First, you can keep the recipe as is and simply swap the cocoa powder for a fruit powder. You can find a variety of Fruit Powders here!
- Second, you can use a jam, jelly, or preserves. For this option, you will use 3 tablespoons of the fruit jam/jelly/preserves in place of the cocoa powder.
For either option, you may also want to use 2-3 drops of food coloring to match the fruit flavor you are going for.
Finally, you can roll the brigadeiros in any color sprinkles to match the fruit. You can also change up the coating and roll them in nuts or colored sugar.
Brigadeiros Recipe FAQs
I recommend storing these in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can leave them out at room temperature, but I find that they may get too soft and mushy. It's also safer to store them in the fridge as it reduces the likelihood of bacteria from forming.
If stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, the brigadeiros will last up to 7 days. If stored at room temperature, they will last 2-3 days.
Yes, this recipe is a gluten-free. Always be sure to check the labels of all of your ingredients, however, to ensure each is gluten free.
Yes, there are many variations and different flavors. You could go with a white chocolate version, fruit flavors, or nut flavors. You could also keep the chocolate inside and roll them in colorful sprinkles, crystal sugar, crushed nuts, or coconut! I will be experimenting with variations and will publish them here as I create them, so stay tuned!!
Be sure to check out the web story for these Brigadeiros! Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Story!
Brigadeiro Recipe ~ Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Butter, salted
- 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 cup Sprinkles
- 24 Mini cupcake liners
Instructions
- To a small-medium pot, add the butter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. Heat on low-medium heat and whisk together to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring as it thickens. It is done when a spatula scraped along the bottom leaves a trail for 3-5 seconds. Remove from the heat.
- Butter a shallow dish and pour the chocolate into the dish. Place in the refrigerator to cool for 15-20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Once the chocolate has firmed up and cooled, scoop a tablespoon of it up and then roll it into a ball. Roll the brigadeiro in sprinkles and then place in mini cupcake paper liners.
Notes
- How should I store the brigadeiros? I recommend storing these in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can leave them out at room temperature, but I find that they may get too soft and mushy. It's also safer to store them in the fridge as it reduces the likelihood of bacteria from forming.
- How long will these brigadeiros last?
If stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, the brigadeiros will last up to 7 days. If stored at room temperature, they will last 2-3 days. - Is this Brigadeiro recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is a gluten-free. Always be sure to check the labels of all of your ingredients, however, to ensure each is gluten free.
Sharon
These are fantastic! I lived in Brasil on and off for a few years and these little sweets were served at every get together.
Thank you. I'm looking forward to other recipes and cooking information on Brasil.
Carrie Tyler
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for the comment! Yes, Brigadeiros are wonderful 🙂
Where in Brazil did you live? It's such an exciting place to be.
Take Care,
Carrie
Ellen
What ingredient do you use for fruit flavored ones?
Carrie Tyler
Hi Ellen, Great question! Here are 2 different options.
(1) First, you can keep the recipe as is and simply swap the cocoa powder for a fruit powder. You can find a variety of Fruit Powders here!
(2) Second, you can use a jam, jelly, or preserves. For this option, you will use 3 tablespoons of the fruit jam/jelly/preserves in place of the cocoa powder.
For either option, you may also want to use 2-3 drops of food coloring to match the fruit flavor you are going for.
Finally, you can roll the brigadeiros in any color sprinkles to match the fruit. You can also change up the coating and roll them in nuts or colored sugar.
I hope this helps!
Carrie
Esmé Slabbert
Hi Carrie, oh my .... awesome and so amazing looking.
I visited you via WEEKEND POTLUCK #607
I linked up this week with = Boston Bread and Delicious Roasted Butternut Salad Vegan Pearl Couscous
Hope you will join us M-S SeniorSalonPitStop and W-S #WordlessWednesday. You will find both under BLOGGING.
Natalia
Hey there! Nice recipe — very true to the original, speaking as a Brazilian! You can also enjoy it by eating it straight from the dish with a spoon — that’s actually how we usually have it. It’s perfect for movie nights! We typically roll them into little balls and place them in paper liners for events like birthday parties (just as common as cakes at these celebrations in Brazil!) You can also put grapes and berries of any type inside the balls!
Carrie Tyler
Thank you so much, Natalia!