These iconic Brazilian chocolate fudge balls are made with just three ingredients: condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Rolled in chocolate sprinkles, they’re rich, chewy, and utterly addictive.
Brigadeiros are the heart and soul of Brazilian celebration—a simple, no-bake confection that is unbelievably rich, fudgy, and fun. With just three core ingredients, they transform into decadent little truffles with a deep chocolate flavor and a uniquely soft, chewy texture.
Rolled in chocolate sprinkles (granulado), they are a staple at birthday parties, gatherings, and a beloved treat for all ages. Once you try one, you’ll understand why Brazil is obsessed.
The Science of the Perfect Fudge Consistency
The magic of a brigadeiro lies in the cooked condensed milk mixture. Sweetened condensed milk is essentially milk with its water removed and sugar added. When heated with cocoa powder and butter, the sugars caramelize slightly and the proteins thicken, transforming the liquid into a soft, pliable fudge.
The key is cooking it to the exact right stage—the “bottom of the pan” test. As you stir, the mixture will thicken and start to pull away from the bottom of the saucepan, leaving a clear path for a few seconds before slowly filling back in. This indicates enough moisture has evaporated to create a mixture that will hold its shape when rolled but remain soft and chewy when cooled.
Ingredients
For the Brigadeiro Mixture:
- 1 (14 oz / 397g) can of sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing hands
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For Coating:
- ½ cup (about 60g) chocolate sprinkles (granulado)
Instructions
1. Cook the Fudge Base: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sifted cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan with a heatproof spatula.
2. Cook to the Perfect Consistency: Continue cooking and stirring for 10-15 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken, bubble slowly, and darken in color.
It is done when you can run your spatula through the center and the mixture takes 2-3 seconds to fill back in, leaving a clear path on the bottom of the pan. It should be thick enough to hold its shape slightly when a spoonful is dropped.
3. Chill the Mixture: Immediately pour the hot fudge mixture into a lightly buttered plate or shallow dish. Spread it out to cool faster. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and firm enough to handle.
4. Roll into Balls: Place the chocolate sprinkles in a shallow bowl. Lightly butter your palms. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the chilled mixture and roll it quickly between your buttered hands into a smooth, round ball (about 1-inch in diameter). If the mixture becomes too sticky, chill it again for 15 minutes.
5. Coat in Sprinkles: Immediately roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles until fully covered. Place the finished brigadeiro in a paper candy cup or on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Serve or Store: Brigadeiros can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Pro-Tips for Brigadeiro Success
- Use a Non-Stick Pan & Spatula: This prevents scorching and makes stirring and cleaning much easier.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Rushing with high heat will burn the mixture.
- The “Pan Test” is Key: Do not stop cooking before the mixture passes the “clear bottom” test. If undercooked, the balls will be too soft and sticky to roll; if overcooked, they will be too hard and crumbly.
- Butter Your Hands: This is essential to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to your palms while rolling. Re-butter as needed.
- Work with Cold Mixture: The fudge must be thoroughly chilled. If it warms up and becomes sticky while rolling, return it to the fridge.
- Authentic Sprinkles: Seek out “granulado” or chocolate jimmies. The tiny round nonpareil sprinkles are not traditional and will not coat as well.
These Classic Brazilian Brigadeiros are pure, joyful indulgence.
