Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian treat made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. This sweet confection has become a symbol of celebration in Brazil, often served at birthday parties and special occasions. In this article, we’ll explore three diverse and practical examples of Brigadeiro dessert that you can easily recreate at home, each with its own unique twist!
This traditional Brigadeiro is the classic version that most people know and love. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
To make Classic Brigadeiro, you will need:
Start by combining the condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, grease your hands with a little butter, scoop up a small amount of the mixture, and roll it into a ball. Finally, roll the ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated. Place the Brigadeiro on a paper liner and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the cocoa powder to your taste for a richer or lighter chocolate flavor. You can also roll Brigadeiro in crushed nuts or coconut for different textures.
Coconut Brigadeiro offers a tropical twist on the classic dessert, making it a great option for summer gatherings or anyone who loves coconut.
For Coconut Brigadeiro, gather these ingredients:
Combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in the shredded coconut. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes, then grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into small balls. Roll the balls in additional shredded coconut until fully coated, then place them in paper liners.
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of coconut extract to the mixture before cooking. You can also experiment with different types of coconut, such as toasted coconut for a crunchier texture.
This version of Brigadeiro incorporates ground hazelnuts for a delightful nutty flavor, making it a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for adult gatherings or special occasions.
You will need:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the ground hazelnuts. Let it cool for about 15 minutes, then grease your hands and roll the mixture into small balls. Coat them in either finely chopped hazelnuts or chocolate sprinkles before placing in paper liners.
You can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile. Additionally, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract for added depth.
These three examples of Brigadeiro dessert showcase the versatility of this traditional Brazilian treat. Whether you prefer the classic chocolate version, a tropical coconut twist, or a nutty variation, Brigadeiro is sure to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. Happy cooking!