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    Home » Snack recipes » Brigadeiros

    Brigadeiros

    February 7, 2018 by Caroline's Cooking

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    Brigadeiros are a kind of fudge/truffle from Brazil that's often enjoyed for carnival, but really I think most people will make any excuse. They’re a really easy sweet treat that the whole family will love.

    brigadeiros

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    When my elder son was younger, he didn't have a particularly sweet tooth. He liked fruit, but I delayed introducing him to that much sugar and he never really got that much of a taste. Things have changed, though. I still limit a fair bit, and he's largely good with that and enjoys his Medjool date after dinner rather than a 'true' dessert most nights. But he definitely enjoys sweeter things, and has a thing for chocolate.

    I sometimes make healthier takes on things like my chocolate zucchini muffins and sweet potato brownies. Now and again, though, I indulge more, as I did when I made these for his preschool class a while back. They were an instant hit with the whole class, teachers included.

    brigadeiros Brazilian truffles with bite taken out

    Where does the name brigadeiros come from?

    They were apparently invented by a brigadier’s wife (hence the name - ‘brigadeiros’, Portuguese for brigadier). When he went into politics, she would make and serve them at fundraising parties and they soon became a hit. You'll often find them at Carnival (Mardi Gras) and other special occasions. (By the way, if you're looking for other mardi gras ideas, take a look at mardi gras food around the world).

    Whenever you choose to serve them, they’re sweet, slightly gooey and delicious. They're not the kind of thing you would have every day, and I  with my not-too-sweet tooth would not be able to eat more than one at a time, but for now and then, they are a delicious treat.

    brigadeiros Brazilian truffles

    How to make brigadeiros

    These are relatively easy to make as they only have a few ingredients. The only tricky bit is getting the right consistency of the mixture without it burning. Really you jut need to keep gently stirring over a relatively low heat, keeping the mixture moving so it doesn't stick and burn. Then once it's thick enough, pour onto a greased plate. Cool then roll little balls with buttered hands and roll the balls in chocolate vermicelli/sprinkles.

    making brigadeiros

    I'm sharing these for today's Foodie Extravaganza as the theme is chocolate, in celebration of National Chocolate month. I'm sure for many, my kids included, that's every month given half the chance!

    I can understand, and I do like to add the odd bit of chocolate in here and there like chips in my strawberry empanadas, pear galette and chocolate pumpkin pastry twists. Then that bit more in things link sweet potato brownies and chocolate raspberry almond tart.

    These brigadeiros might technically not have all that much chocolate in there, but they feel like an all-chocolate indulgence. Sweet, chewy and deliciously smooth, they'll be an instant hit.

    brigadeiros

    Try these other bite-sized treats (perfect for gifting!)

    • Cranberry truffles
    • Raspberry blueberry chocolate bark
    • Turron de jijona (Spanish soft nougat)
    • Plus get more ideas, both sweet and savory, in the snack recipes archives.
    brigadeiros
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Brigadeiros

    These tasty little snacks are easy to make and addictively sweet and gooey!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Brazilian
    Servings: 24 pieces, approx
    Calories: 81kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
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    Ingredients

    • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 can (398g)
    • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 oz butter 55g, plus a little more for hands/plate later
    • 2 oz Chocolate vermicelli or chocolate sprinkles 55g, approx

    Instructions

    • Mix together the condensed milk and the cocoa powder until smooth and there are no lumps of cocoa. Note - if your cocoa powder looks lumpy before you use it, sift it into the condensed milk to make a little easier.
    • Melt the butter in a small pan then add the cocoa-condensed milk and mix in. Cook over a low-medium heat for around 10 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough so that it takes a few seconds to flow back to cover the bottom of the pan when you stir it from the bottom. It will also hold to the spoon pretty well.
    • Lightly grease a plate with butter then pour the mixture onto the plate. Leave to cool completely (you can speed up in the fridge).
    • When the mixture is cool, pour some chocolate vermicelli/sprinkles on a small plate and lay out some mini baking cups. Lightly grease the palm and tips of the hand you’ll use to roll with a little butter.
    • Take a heaped teaspoon of the mixture and roll it in your hand to form a ball. Roll it in the chocolate vermicelli/sprinkles so that it is covered on all sides (you may need to press them on a little) then place in the baking cup. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. They’ll keep a day or two out in a cool place, a good week or more refrigerated.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 71mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

    See all the other chocolate creations for today's Foodie Extravaganza:

    • Browned Butter Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Muffins by Food Lust People Love
    • Chocolate Dream Whoopie Pies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
    • Chocolate Nonpareil Drops by Family Around the Table
    • Chocolate Tart with a Shortbread Crust by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
    • Double Chocolate Chip Banana Bread by Hardly A Goddess
    • Easy Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes by Our Good Life
    • German Chocolate Cake Macarons by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
    • Healthy Chocolate Truffles by Simple and Savory
    • Homemade Chocolate Praline Easter Eggs by Sneha’s Recipe
    • Homemade White Chocolate with Strawberries and Rose
      Petals
      by Tara’s Multicultural Table
    • Sachertorte by A Day in the Life on the Farm
    • Salted Juniper-Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
    • Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup by Faith, Hope, Love and Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice

    Remember to pin for later!

    Brigadeiros are a kind of fudge/truffle from Brazil that's often enjoyed for carnival, but really I think most people will make any excuse. They’re a really easy sweet treat that the whole family will love. #brazilian #truffle #chocolate

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stacy

      February 09, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      5 stars
      We lived in Brazil for almost six years and brigadeiros became a favorite treat right from the start. They are served at every single birthday party and special occasion. Yours look perfect, Caroline.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:26 pm

        Thanks Stacy. I did think of you as I shared this - I can understand why they are so popular.

        Reply
    2. Karen @Karen's Kitchen stories

      February 07, 2018 at 11:39 pm

      I just happen to have all of the ingredients, including the sprinkles!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        Perfect! Hope you give them a try and enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Barrie Mooney

      February 07, 2018 at 6:00 pm

      I love that these have so few ingredients and are a little bit of an indulgence for a special occasion!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        Indeed, it's amazing they are so few ingredients but the result is pretty special.

        Reply
    4. Tara

      February 07, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      My oldest didn't originally have a sweet tooth either! And he used to refuse chocolate. Our trip to the Netherlands apparently changed that haha. I love brigadieros! Yours look wonderful. Now I really really want one.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:23 pm

        Yes, we had that too for a little while, but I guess all part of growing up it changes 🙂 And thank you.

        Reply
    5. Anne Lawton

      February 07, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      These look delicious!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:22 pm

        Thanks, they are!

        Reply
    6. Jolene

      February 07, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      These look so good! I really appreciate that you post the nutritional info, it's very helpful.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:22 pm

        Thanks Jolene!

        Reply
    7. Christie

      February 07, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      These have been on my list to make for a long time! I can't wait to try these. They look so delicious.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        You definitely need to give them a try! They're not difficult, you just need to make sure you keep stirring. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Wendy

      February 07, 2018 at 9:15 am

      These should satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        Exactly! They have many a time already 🙂

        Reply
    9. Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Desipte a Whiskered Accomplice

      February 07, 2018 at 7:46 am

      These sound like a lovely after-dinner sweet treat!!! Just the right size!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        February 10, 2018 at 12:20 pm

        Thanks, yes they absolutely are!

        Reply

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