Name: Go-To Brigadeiros
Yield: 12

Brigadeiros are a traditional Brazilian treat made with condensed milk, cocoa, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. straightforward to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ready-to-eat chocolate sprinkle-covered Brigadeiros.

author’s note

My Moms Brigadeiros Recipe Straight From Brazil!

My mom grew up in Brazil and spent several of her adult years there, which had a huge impact on our upbringing. I grew up enjoying her from-scratch acai bowls, store-bought guarana, and, of course, a reliable treat—brigadeiros.

I made these with my mom so often that I had the recipe memorized, and it’s a treat I’ve happily passed down to my kids.

There are few things more satisfying or nostalgic to me than these! I’m so excited to finally share this recipe on my site and pass on something so special to me with all of you!

What Are Brigadeiros?

It’s said that Brigadeiros were named after a well-known Brigadier General in Brazil during World War II. They were created because chocolate was hard to find during the war, but cocoa powder was straightforward to find.

They’re made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa, and coated with sprinkles.

Melting the butter and adding in the sweetened condensed milk to make Brigadeiros.

Adding cocoa to the butter and condensed milk; stirring to combine.

Ingredients

Butter: Use unsalted butter to keep the sweetness just right.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make sure to use full-fat.
Cocoa Powder: Use regular cocoa powder, not Dutch-process, for the right flavor.
Salt: A little salt makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!
Chocolate Sprinkles (or cocoa powder):You can use colorful sprinkles for a festive look, or stick with classic chocolate sprinkles for tradition.

Quick Tip

Have you ever made fudge using chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk? That’s the same concept for Brigadeiros, too, but they don’t get as thick and firm.

How To Make Brigadeiros Tips

Prep a Plate: Buttering the plate helps the mixture not stick when it cools.
Cook the Mixture: Keep stirring to avoid burning or sticking.
Check the Mixture: f it’s too runny, cook a little longer until it thickens more.
Cool: Let it cool completely so it’s easier to roll into balls.
Roll into Balls: If the mixture sticks to your hands, butter them again for easier rolling.
Coat with Sprinkles: Use a plate with a shallow layer of sprinkles to make rolling easier.
Chill Again: This helps them firm up before serving. Enjoy!

Brigadeiros with a bite out of one of them.

Storage

Storing Brigaderios

Chill for 30 minutes after cooking, then roll, dip in sprinkles, and refrigerate for another 15–30 minutes. Keep in the fridge for up to 12 days.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. After rolling in sprinkles, freeze on a parchment-lined sheet, then store in a sealed bag. Thaw in the fridge.