An authentic Brazilian confection, Brigadeiros hold a special place in my heart. A few years back, my brother and sister-in-law were here in Iowa. We were talking about some of our favorite foods that we ate growing up. My sister-in-law is from Brazil and grew up with fresh mangos and avocados, right outside her door (sometimes literally). She had access to all of the tropical fruits of your dreams.
Every time we get together, I soak up any and all of the culture and flavors she shares with me. One day in particular, she was telling me about these little bonbons she would enjoy back in Brazil called Brigadeiros. She made them, and I immediately understood why they are so popular.
Brigadeiros are sweet, sticky, chewy, and chocolatey. They are so unique in texture and delicious. Bonus – you only need three ingredients! I’ve been missing them all the way out there in Washington, so I made Genny’s recipe for Brigadeiros to help me feel closer to them. And with her permission, I am sharing with you.
Brigadeiros
Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe
Yields 24 - 1” bonbons
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 3 hours
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder, plus more for rolling
1 Tablespoons butter, plus more for rolling
Optional, chocolate sprinkles for rolling
1. In a small pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder.
2. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly. It’s done cooking when it is thick like pudding, and starts to pull away from the pan.
3. On a buttered plate, pour out mixture and let cool in the fridge for several hours.
4. Rub a little butter on your hands when you are getting ready to roll. And roll into small 1” balls.
5. Drop into cocoa powder (or chocolate sprinkles) and toss around. Reshape if needed.
6. Place your finished brigadeiros in little paper cups or on a plate and serve. Remainder may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.
Can you see this texture?! They’re incredible. I have always enjoyed discovering new foods. Growing up in rural Iowa, there wasn’t always a variety in restaurants, but I’m thankful to have grown up around my food-loving family – who are always open to trying something new. Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised at how well you like something that you’ve never tasted before!
One of my favorite things about the staff at The Chopping Block is the encouragement to try new dishes and new flavors. They are hosting a really interesting virtual interactive demonstration class this Sunday about Flavor Dynamics. And we are adding classes all the time, so make sure to check back often since class size may be limited.
For more recipes and fun home-cooking adventures, I’d like to invite you to join us at The Chopping Block’s private Facebook group.
Brigadeiros
Ingredients
- 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 4 T Cocoa Powder, plus more for rolling
- 1 T Butter, plus more for rolling
- Optional, chocolate sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
- In a small pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder.
- Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly. It’s done cooking when it is thick like pudding, and starts to pull away from the pan.
- On a buttered plate, pour out mixture and let cool in the fridge for several hours.
- Rub a little butter on your hands when you are getting ready to roll. And roll into small 1” balls.
- Drop into cocoa powder (or chocolate sprinkles) and toss around. Reshape if needed.
- Place your finished brigadeiros in little paper cups, or on a plate and serve. Remainder may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.
