Brigadeiros are a traditional Brazilian candy made for birthday parties. I was first introduced to this tiny, chocolate ball through one of my best friends that is from Brazil. Although she wasn’t able to successfully teach me Portuguese before she left the states, I was able to learn how to make Brigadeiros. I have made these for baby showers, birthday parties and holiday gatherings. One batch yields about 24 balls, or more accurately about 20 balls if your husband can’t stay out of the kitchen. These are best served cold straight out of the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Cocoa, unsweetened
- 1 Tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 1 can Condensed Milk, sweetened
- Chocolate Sprinkles
Directions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add cocoa to butter and stir until melted.
- Pour in condensed milk and stir. Continue to stir over low heat. The mixture will bubble. About 20 minutes into the process, the mixture will become caramelized and begin to lift up from the bottom of the pan when you stir it. You will know it is done when it becomes the consistency that you can stir it and see the bottom of the pan. If you can achieve the right consistency, your brigadeiros will be perfect.
- Here is the tough part, waiting. I make this mixture, pour into a bowl and refrigerate overnight. The colder the mixture is, the easier it is to roll it into balls.
- Gather butter, paper towels and put your sprinkles into a bowl nearby. Also, gather mini muffin liners to place the candies in.
- Rub butter on the insides of your hands and use it to grease the inside of a teaspoon with butter. I use my measuring cup teaspoon to get all of the balls the same size.
- Roll the mixture into a ball in your hand and then roll in the sprinkles. Set inside a mini muffin liner.
- Once all balls have been rolled in the sprinkles, place them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until you serve.
I hope you enjoy making your Brigadeiros!
For additional ideas, roll them in coconut, nuts or colored sprinkles! I have even made grass using green chocolate and muffin liners to place the balls into. There are many ways to creatively display these tasty treats!
Jessie @ MomVantage says
August 23, 2011 at 7:13 pmThese look SOOO good! I will have to try them, and soon! I have had many good Brazilian treats (thanks to a former coworker) and I am always looking for more. I am a new follower 🙂 Can’t wait to check out the rest of your site.