Here’s a traditional Brazilian Brigadeiros recipe—the real-deal version you’ll find at birthdays all over Brazil.
🇧🇷 Brazilian Brigadeiros (Classic)
Ingredients (makes ~20)
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1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for hands)
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Chocolate sprinkles (granulated or “hagelslag”)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix
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In a heavy saucepan, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
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Stir well before turning on the heat (prevents lumps).
2️⃣ Cook
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Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
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After 10–15 minutes, the mixture will thicken.
👉 You’ll know it’s ready when:
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It pulls away from the sides of the pan
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A spatula dragged through leaves a trail for 2–3 seconds
3️⃣ Cool
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Transfer to a buttered plate or bowl.
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Let cool completely (room temp or fridge).
4️⃣ Roll
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Butter your hands lightly.
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Roll into small balls (about 1 tbsp each).
5️⃣ Coat
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Roll in chocolate sprinkles until fully covered.
⭐ Pro Tips (Straight from Brazilian kitchens)
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Low heat + patience = perfect texture
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Dutch-processed cocoa gives deeper chocolate flavor
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If it’s too soft, chill 10 minutes—don’t add flour (that’s illegal 😅)
Variations Brazilians Love
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Beijinho: skip cocoa, add shredded coconut
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Dark chocolate: add 2 oz chopped chocolate at the end
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Pistachio or Nutella-filled: hide a surprise inside
If you want, I can give you:
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Keto brigadeiros
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Spoon brigadeiro (eat it warm 👀)
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Vegan version
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Party-scale batch math