BEST Brigadeiros

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Brigadeiros: A traditional Brazilian treat combining condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ready-to-eat chocolate sprinkle-covered Brigadeiros.

My mom grew up in Brazil and spent a few of her adults years there. Growing up, she always made these fudge-y treats and Acai Bowls for us. 

What Are Brigadeiros?

It’s said that Brigadeiros were named after a Brigadier General who was popular in Brazil during World War II. The reason they were created is that chocolate was scarce during the war, but cocoa powder was readily available.  

They’re made of sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and sprinkles covering the outside layer.

Brigadeiros with a bite out of one of them.

STORAGE

Storing Brigaderios

  • Storage: Chill Brigadeiros immediately after cooking for 30 minutes, then roll, dip in sprinkles, and refrigerate for an additional 15-30 minutes. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 days.
  • Freezing: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. After rolling in sprinkles, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to an airtight bag and freeze. Thaw in the fridge.

More No-Bake Treats

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Brigadeiros

5 from 4 votes
Ultra-chocolatey Brigadeiros: A traditional Brazilian treat combining condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Print Recipe

Brigadeiros

5 from 4 votes
Ultra-chocolatey Brigadeiros: A traditional Brazilian treat combining condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Easy to make, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Brigadeiros
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 brigadeiros
Chelsea Lords
Calories 137kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (do not use low-fat or fat-free)
  • 1/3 cup regular cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Chocolate sprinkles or additional cocoa powder, for decorating

Instructions

  • Soften 1 tablespoon butter and rub it over a large plate. Set aside.
  • In a nonstick 10-to-12-inch saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and add the sweetened condensed milk. Add the cocoa powder and salt and reduce the heat slightly. Stir nonstop for 8-13 minutes or until the mixture begins to pull away from the edge of the pot; it should be very thick. To check if it's done, run a wooden spoon through the center and watch to make sure it takes a few seconds to melt back into the center again. Transfer the mixture to the prepared plate and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • When the mixture is set, butter your hands to prevent sticking, and pull off a portion of the mixture (about 1/2 to 1 full tablespoon). Roll the mixture between your hands to get a perfectly round ball. Repeat with the remainder of the mixture to get about 12 balls. Pour sprinkles (or cocoa powder) on a flat plate and roll the fudge balls into the sprinkles (or cocoa powder) to coat.
  • Best enjoyed the same day!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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27 Comments

  1. These are gorgeous! I bet they are delicious, too. Your pictures definitely make me want to take a bite out of the screen 😉

  2. They say you learn something new every day. I had no idea what a brigadeiros were. Thanks for enlightening me. 🙂

  3. Chelsea, these look wonderful, and they are coated in sprinkles. Say no more 😉 Thanks for sharing a special, unique recipe!

  4. I’ve never head of Brigadeiros! And also have no idea how to pronounce it 🙂 They do, however, look insanely delicious!

    1. Hello there!

      I want to make these as they look like a fab treat to hand out as mini Christmas gifts. A clarification question on the recipe: the cocoa powder, is that like a Nesquick cocoa powder? So, something that’s sweetened too.

      Thanks so much and thanks for the recipe!

  5. What a fun recipe and so pretty too. My kids love anything round, chewy, sweet, and sprinkled so this would definitely make them happy. Pinned. Would love to share this on my weekly roundup.

    1. Thanks so much Erlene! And thanks for the pin! You can definitely share it on your round up 🙂

  6. My Tia ( who was born and raised in Brazil) used to make Brigadeiros when she lived here in the U.S. She had given me her recipe but I miss placed it. My Tai now living in back in Brazil is hard to get a hold of, that is why I have been searching the web for a good Brigadeiro recipe. I must say she never made chocolate or any other flavored Brigadeiros, I remember making them with her, she simply used sweetened condensed milk and butter, after chilling the heated mixture in the freezer over night, we would roll and cover the candies with chocolate sprinkles. I am not sure why she didn’t use cocoa in the mixture but i’m ok with that. My family and friends all loved the simple little candies. I would love to try your version of the recipe thank you for sharing it!

  7. 5 stars
    I know brigadeiro all too well… I am from Brazil and have been making them for years! They are a staple in any celebration. My daughter loves them and always ask for them in her birthday parties. My American neighbors and her American friends always expect them whenever there is a gathering. Brigadeiros have become quite famous and are being made in a variety of flavors now, there are even some gourmet recipes that are to die for.

    1. So, so fun to hear that!! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      I hope you LOVE these for Valentine’s Day 🙂

        1. Oh my gosh I’m OBSESSED!!! Your card couldn’t be any cuter 🙂 I love it and thank you so much for sharing!

  8. Any idea how they would fair for a day or two in room temp on a Christmas cookie platter?? I see the fridge is suggested, probably to make that chewy, fudgey texture, but has anyone tried them on a cookie platter?

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