- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 490 kcal
Quick summary
“The traditional brigadeiro combines cooked condensed milk with butter and chocolate powder until it reaches the rolling point. Covered in chocolate sprinkles, it is the most emblematic sweet of the parties.”
What you need to know
- Cooking in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat prevents the sugar in the condensed milk from burning on the bottom.
- The rolling point is confirmed when the dough comes off in a block when tilting the pot on the heat.
- Pre-cooling on a buttered plate firms the dough for shaping without sticking to your hands.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 tablespoons of chocolate powder
- Chocolate sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
Principal
- In a non-stick pan, place the condensed milk, butter, and chocolate powder.
- Bring to medium heat and stir constantly with the wooden spoon.
- When the mixture starts to release from the bottom of the pan, it is a sign that it is ready. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and pour into a buttered plate.
- Let cool for a few minutes until the dough is manageable.
- Grease your hands with butter and roll into balls the size of a teaspoon.
- Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles until they are well covered.
- Place in paper cups and serve!
Chef's tips
- Use a silicone spatula (rubber spatula) scraping the sides and bottom of the pan well during the entire cooking process.
- Apply a thin layer of water or butter on the palms of your hands to roll the spheres without leaving a greasy aspect.
- Wait for the dough to cool completely at room temperature before rolling into balls so the sprinkles don't melt.
Variations
- Brigadeiro de colher: remove from heat 3 minutes earlier, as soon as it boils thick and still falls in a continuous ribbon.
- Gourmet Brigadeiro: add 50 g of chopped bittersweet chocolate to the pot along with the ingredients.
- Nut topping: replace sprinkles with crushed toasted cashews or peanuts.
Substitutions
- The 7 tablespoons of chocolate drink mix can be substituted with 3 to 4 tablespoons of 50% cocoa powder for a less sweet flavor.
- Common salted or unsalted butter can be replaced by culinary margarine with a lipid content above 80%.
- Traditional sprinkles can be swapped for Belgian chocolate sprinkles or bar shavings.
How to store
Store the already rolled brigadeiros in paper cups inside a closed container with a lid in a cool place for up to 5 days. Avoid putting it in the refrigerator so as not to sugar the texture and dampen the chocolate sprinkles.
Can it be frozen?
The ready-made Brigadeiro dough freezes very well rolled or in a block wrapped in plastic film for up to 3 months. To consume, thaw at room temperature closed for 1 hour before passing in the confection.
What to serve with
Harmonizes very well with pure black espresso coffee without sugar, which attenuates the concentrated sweetness of the condensed milk. On festive tables, it makes a traditional and balanced pair alongside coconut beijinhos.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the butter with vegetable oil?
Not recommended, as butter provides milky flavor, shine, and a melting point that solidifies the dough when cooling.
Why does the brigadeiro get chewy or crystallized after days?
This occurs due to overcooking over high heat or lack of butter; cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
How to know with precision the rolling point of the brigadeiro?
Run the spatula through the middle of the bottom of the pot, opening a path; if the dough takes time to come back together, it is at the right point.
Can I make brigadeiro in the microwave with the same recipe?
Yes, place in a high heat-resistant bowl and cook on high power for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
