Brigadeiro

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare a small plate or tray for the finished sweets. Lightly butter your hands later for rolling, and place the chocolate sprinkles in a small bowl so they are ready for coating.

   5 g unsalted butter40 g chocolate sprinkles
2. 2

   In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, 10 g butter, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the cocoa is fully dissolved and no dry lumps remain; doing this before heating helps the mixture cook evenly and stay smooth.

   200 g sweetened condensed milk12 g unsweetened cocoa powder10 g unsalted butter1 pinch fine salt
3. 3

   Set the pan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula and scraping the bottom and corners, for 8-10 minutes. The brigadeiro is ready when it thickens into a shiny fudge-like mass and, when you drag the spatula through the center, the bottom of the pan stays visible for about 1 second before the mixture closes back in.

   200 g sweetened condensed milk12 g unsweetened cocoa powder10 g unsalted butter1 pinch fine salt
4. 4

   Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered plate or shallow bowl to cool faster. Let it rest for about 15 minutes, until warm rather than hot; it should be cool enough to handle without sticking excessively.

   5 g unsalted butter
5. 5

   Lightly grease your hands with a little of the remaining butter, then scoop and roll the mixture into 10 small balls, about 22-25 g each. If the mixture sticks, re-butter your hands very lightly rather than adding extra sprinkles too early.

   5 g unsalted butter
6. 6

   Roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles until fully coated, then place on the tray. Serve at room temperature for the softest, fudgiest texture.

   40 g chocolate sprinkles

Origin & History

Brigadeiro is one of Brazil's most beloved sweets, commonly served at birthday parties and celebrations across the country. It became popular in the mid-20th century and is often linked to Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian Air Force brigadier whose political campaign helped inspire the candy's name.