Brigadeiro Recipe is a delightful Brazilian treat that brings a taste of chocolate heaven to any occasion. These rich, fudgy truffles are easy to make and perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply treating yourself. Their unique texture and flavor make them stand out among desserts, and they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your Brigadeiros with a variety of toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or even shredded coconut for a fun twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet snack at home, these truffles fit any event.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate creates an indulgent flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Making Brigadeiros is a fun kitchen project for kids, allowing them to get hands-on in the cooking process.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delectable Brigadeiros, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Wooden spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Teaspoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A good-quality saucepan ensures even heating while melting the chocolate and condensed milk mixture.
- Wooden spatula: This tool is perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps prevent burning by scraping the bottom effectively.

Ingredients
For the Brigadeiro Mixture
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14oz / 397g)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (14g)
- 3.4 oz Dark Chocolate (100g)
For Decoration
- Vermicelli (to decorate)
How to Make Brigadeiro Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- Break the chocolate into pieces and add it to a saucepan along with the butter and condensed milk.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until everything has melted and starts to thicken.
Step 2: Cook Until Thickened
- Make sure you continually scrape the bottom of the pan to avoid burning. A flat wooden spatula works well for this task.
- Keep cooking until you can draw a line in the middle of the mixture that takes about 2 seconds to fill back in. This process should take about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
- Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool until it’s no longer hot.
- Once cooled, transfer to the fridge for further chilling.
Step 4: Shape the Brigadeiros
- When completely chilled, use a teaspoon to scoop out some of the mixture (about the size of a walnut).
- Roll it into a ball using your hands.
Step 5: Add Decorations
- Roll each chocolate ball in vermicelli, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or any topping of your choice.
- Place each truffle into a paper liner for serving.
Now enjoy your homemade Brigadeiros as delightful snacks or desserts!
How to Serve Brigadeiro Recipe
Brigadeiros are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These Brazilian chocolate truffles are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to elegant parties. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Brigadeiro experience.
As a Dessert Table Star
- Serve Brigadeiros alongside a selection of other desserts to create an inviting dessert table. Pair them with cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, or fruit tarts for variety.
In Party Favors
- Package Brigadeiros in small boxes or bags as party favors. They make charming gifts and allow guests to take home a taste of your celebration.
At Afternoon Tea
- Present Brigadeiros during afternoon tea gatherings. Their rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful addition to your menu.
With Fresh Fruits
- Complement the sweetness of Brigadeiros with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruits balances the richness of the truffles beautifully.
How to Perfect Brigadeiro Recipe
To ensure your Brigadeiro turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. Each step contributes to achieving that ideal gooey, fudgy texture everyone loves.
- Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor in your Brigadeiro.
- Stir constantly: This prevents the mixture from sticking or burning, ensuring even cooking and a smooth texture.
- Cool completely before rolling: Allowing the mixture to chill thoroughly makes it easier to roll into perfect balls without sticking.
- Experiment with toppings: While vermicelli is classic, try using chopped nuts or coconut for added texture and flavor variation.
- Store properly: Keep Brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Brigadeiro Recipe
Brigadeiros can be served alongside various delightful side dishes that complement their rich chocolate flavor. Here are some great options you might consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to the sweetness of Brigadeiros.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well with the sweet truffles, offering a savory contrast.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate fondue with skewers of fruits and marshmallows for dipping—perfect for sharing!
- Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides crunch and saltiness that offsets the sweetness of the Brigadeiros.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is always a favorite pairing; drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra treat.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and makes for an excellent after-dinner companion.
- Mini Pastries: Offer an assortment of mini pastries like éclairs or cream puffs to create a delightful dessert spread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthier option that complements the indulgence of Brigadeiros beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brigadeiro can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the constant stirring: Not stirring continuously can lead to burning. Always use a heatproof utensil and keep the mixture moving.
- Using low-quality chocolate: Poor chocolate affects taste. Choose a good quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the mixture: If you cook it too long, the Brigadeiro will become hard. Stop cooking when the mixture can form a line that takes a few seconds to fill in.
- Not cooling properly: Rushing to roll the chocolate balls while warm can lead to a sticky mess. Allow the mixture to cool completely before rolling.
- Ignoring decoration options: Sticking only with one topping can be boring. Explore different toppings like nuts or sprinkles for variety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Brigadeiro in an airtight container.
- They last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brigadeiro Recipe
- Place Brigadeiro in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
- Transfer them to an airtight container once solid; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brigadeiro Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This method is best if you’ve frozen them.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds at a time until soft. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a non-stick pan on low heat, stirring continuously until just softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious treat.
What is Brigadeiro Recipe?
Brigadeiro Recipe refers to Brazilian chocolate truffles made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate, resulting in a fudgy treat.
Can I make Brigadeiro without chocolate?
You can try using cocoa powder mixed with some extra sugar as an alternative, although it may alter the texture slightly.
How do I store leftover Brigadeiro?
Store leftover Brigadeiro in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
What toppings can I use for my Brigadeiro?
You can use vermicelli, crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or colorful sprinkles to decorate your Brigadeiro.
Final Thoughts
This Brigadeiro Recipe brings together rich flavors with its gooey texture that everyone loves. It’s perfect for parties or as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize your truffles with various toppings or even flavors by adding extracts like vanilla or orange zest.

Brigadeiro Recipe
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of Brigadeiro, a beloved Brazilian chocolate truffle that promises to elevate any occasion. These delightful sweets are made with just a few simple ingredients—sweetened condensed milk, butter, and dark chocolate—making them an easy and fun treat to whip up at home. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or as a sweet snack, Brigadeiros can be customized with various toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or coconut to suit your taste. Enjoy the hands-on experience of rolling these truffles with family or friends; they’re sure to impress!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14oz / 397g)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (14g)
- 3.4 oz Dark Chocolate (100g)
- Vermicelli (or other toppings for decoration)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine broken pieces of dark chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until melted and thickened.
- Continue cooking until the mixture allows you to draw a line that takes about 2 seconds to fill back in (approximately 10 minutes).
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and cool until it’s no longer hot; then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Once cooled, scoop out portions (about the size of a walnut) and roll into balls using your hands.
- Roll the truffles in vermicelli or your choice of toppings and place in paper liners for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg