Brigadeiros
These Brigadeiros are the ultimate easy dessert. With just 4 ingredients, no oven, and no mixer, they are perfect for any occasion.
The classic Brazilian treat is made by cooking sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, and butter until thick and glossy, chilling it, and rolling it into fudgy little balls covered in chocolate sprinkles.
Why You’ll Love These Brigadeiros
- 4 ingredients: condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and sprinkles.
- No oven: made on the stovetop.
- Fudgy and chewy: like a truffle meets fudge.
- Great for parties: birthdays, holidays, and gifting.
Brigadeiros Ingredients
Sweetened Condensed Milk
The base of every brigadeiro. Eagle Brand works perfectly.
Unsweetened Cocoa
Gives deep chocolate flavor.
Butter
Makes them rich and glossy.
Chocolate Sprinkles
The classic coating.
Good to Know: Brigadeiros are naturally gluten-free. Check your sprinkles label to be sure.
How to Make Brigadeiros
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add Milk and Cocoa
Add the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa.
Step 3: Cook
Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until thick and glossy.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours to set.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Roll into balls and coat in chocolate sprinkles.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Use nonstick. It keeps the mixture from sticking and scorching.
- Stir constantly. Condensed milk burns quickly.
- Look for the pull. It is ready when it pulls away from the pan.
- Butter your hands. It makes rolling much easier.
Make It Your Own
- Coatings: Try cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or coconut.
- White chocolate: Skip the cocoa for a beijinho style.
- Espresso: Add instant espresso powder.
- Holiday sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles to match the occasion.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the mixture a day ahead and chill. Roll and coat before serving.
What to Serve With Brigadeiros
Serve them in mini paper cups on a dessert table, with coffee, or as a homemade gift.
Storing and Reheating
Room temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Fridge: Up to 1 week.
Freezer: Up to 2 months.
What People Ask About Brigadeiros
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes. Unsweetened cocoa powder is what you want.
Why are my brigadeiros too soft?
They need more cooking time on the stove.
How do I know when it is done?
It should pull away from the pan and hold a trail.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. They keep well in the fridge.
Brigadeiros
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened cocoa to the saucepan.
- Stir constantly for 8–10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours to set.
- Roll the mixture into balls and coat them in chocolate sprinkles.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the mixture from sticking while cooking.
- Chill your hands slightly before rolling the Brigadeiros to make the process easier.
- Experiment with different coatings like shredded coconut or crushed nuts for variety.
