Discovering brigadeiros: Brazil’s beloved sweet treat

Brazil stands out for many reasons: its tourist destinations, countless beaches, rich nature, diverse music, and of course, its cuisine.

Whether it’s savory dishes, drinks, or desserts, from north to south, you can find a delightful treat to try.

Among the most, if not the most popular of all Brazilian sweets, is a beloved sweet treat called brigadeiro (pronounced bree-gah-day-roh).

What are brigadeiros?

Brigadeiros are small, fudgy chocolate truffles made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and sometimes a splash of cream.

They are cooked until thick and gooey, then rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles or other toppings.

Their rich, chocolatey flavor and smooth texture make them irresistibly delicious.

A bit of history

The origin of brigadeiros dates back to the 1940s, a decade of significant change and innovation in Brazil.

The name “brigadeiro” is derived from Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian Air Force brigadier and presidential candidate.

During his campaign, a popular treat was created in his honor by his supporters, who sought to sweeten his public image and gain favor with voters.

The confection was originally called “docinho do brigadeiro,” meaning “little sweet of the brigadier.” As time went on, the name was shortened to simply “brigadeiro.”

A treat for every occasion

Brigadeiros are a regular at birthday parties and are found in bakeries, dessert shops, or simply made at home.

For a long time, the classic version reigned supreme, but today you can enjoy an incredible variety of this sweet delight.

It’s quite common for people to enjoy brigadeiro straight from the spoon, without even rolling it into the traditional small bites. They are perfect to satisfy a sweet craving.

Creative ways to decorate brigadeiros

In addition to the traditional chocolate sprinkles, brigadeiros can be decorated in various creative ways.

Try using colorful sprinkles for a festive touch or cocoa powder for a more sophisticated finish.

Shredded coconut adds extra flavor and texture.

For an even more special effect, you can use edible glitter or stamps with various designs, such as soccer team logos, cartoon characters, hearts, and more.

These options allow you to personalize brigadeiros for any occasion, making them even more attractive and unique.

Classic brigadeiro recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• A pinch of salt
• Chocolate sprinkles (for rolling)

Instructions

You will need a plate or tray lined with parchment paper for the brigadeiros.

1. In the greased saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and a pinch of salt.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats. Continue to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
3. After about 10-15 minutes, the mixture will start to pull away from the sides of the pan and form a thick, fudgy consistency. To check if it’s ready, you can do the “test” by running a spatula through the mixture; if it takes a few seconds to fill in the gap, it’s done.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture to the prepared plate or tray. Allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is manageable to handle.
5. Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, butter your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Pinch off small amounts of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated. Place the coated brigadeiros on a plate.
7. Allow the brigadeiros to set at room temperature for about an hour before serving. They can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

For a visual on how to make them, click here.

To prepare variations of the recipe, check out this video.

The versatility and simplicity of brigadeiros make them a favorite among both kids and adults.

Whether served on special occasions or just as a sweet indulgence, brigadeiros embody the warmth and joy of Brazilian culture.