If you aren’t familiar with Brigadeiro, then you are in for a serious treat. These little truffles are a classic Brazilian dessert served on festive occasions, either made at home or bought from a local bakery. The name “brigadeiro” comes from the presidential candidate Brigadier Eduardo Gomes who ran in 1945. A local supporter created this new sweet treat, naming it after the candidate, and then sold them to support Gomes’ campaign. The truffles took off in popularity and are still wildly popular throughout Brazil today. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bites in no time. The rich, fudgy center coated in chocolate sprinkles is simply irresistible!
Begin by melting butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. As the butter melts, stir in the cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk. Mix the ingredients until smooth, and continue to cook and stir constantly. After about 10-14 minutes, the mixture will thicken and start pulling away from the sides of the pan, signaling it’s time to remove it from the heat.
Transfer the thickened chocolate mixture to a buttered 8×8-inch dish or a plate with a lip, spreading it into a thin layer. Now for the hard part, allowing the mixture to cool in the fridge for about 1-2 hours. This waiting period is crucial for the treats to set properly, making them easier to handle later.
Once the mixture has chilled, grease your hands with butter and start rolling small portions of the chocolate into balls. Roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles until fully coated, then place them on your serving plate. Easy as that your cute and tasty Brigadeiros are ready to eat! If you don’t plan on serving them right away, pop the plate in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy them.