Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple and satisfying, turning just a few ingredients into decadent chocolate truffles that make me feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss. Plus, there’s something so nostalgic and joyful about rolling the little chocolate bites in sprinkles, bringing out my inner child and making any day instantly sweeter.

Savoring my Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles is a pure delight. The rich sweetness from the condensed milk and the deep chocolate notes of cocoa powder make these brigadeiros a perfect bite-sized bliss.

I love their buttery texture, and the finishing touch of rolling them in chocolate sprinkles takes them to a whole other level.

Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe Ingredients

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Predominantly provides sweetness and creaminess; rich in carbohydrates.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers chocolate flavor, contains antioxidants, and adds a touch of bitterness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture; source of fat and flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: Provide a fun texture and extra chocolate flavor with added sweetness.

Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• Chocolate sprinkles, for rolling

How to Make this Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the cocoa powder, salted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and a tiny bit of salt.

2. Prepare the dish on medium heat, ensuring that you stir almost constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula. If you don’t have those exact tools, use whatever you have that’s wood or a similar sturdy heatproof material; just don’t use a metal utensil, as it may scratch your pan. And don’t stop stirring!

3. Keep cooking until the mix thickens enough to let you see the bottom of the pan while you’re stirring, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Take the mixture away from the heat and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

5. After cooling, grease your hands lightly with butter to keep the mixture from sticking.

6. With a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, scoop a small amount of the chocolate mixture.

7. Shape the mixture into small, smooth balls by rolling it between your hands.

8. Put chocolate sprinkles into a dish that is shallow.

9. Completely coat each chocolate ball in the sprinkles.

10. Position the truffles that have been coated on a platter or inside small cupcake liners for the best presentation. Place this in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before the plates are served.

Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula
3. Teaspoon or small cookie scoop
4. Shallow dish
5. Platter or small cupcake liners
6. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?If you use cocoa powder that is sweet, then the brigadeiros will be sweet. It is best to use cocoa powder that is unsweetened so that you can control the level of sweetness.
• Can I use salted butter?When using salted butter, do not add the pinch of salt; otherwise, your truffles will be too salty.
• How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to the saucepan?Prepare the mixture using low heat and maintain a constant stirring motion so that it does not adhere to the cooking pot or become charred.
• What is the best way to store brigadeiros?Keep in a non-airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store between either 2 and 20 °C (36 and 68 °F) in a kitchen cupboard or 1 and 7 °C (34 and 45 °F) in the refrigerator.
• Can they be frozen?Certainly! Power freeze in a single layer, then move to a Ziploc bag. Defrost at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• What can I use instead of chocolate sprinkles?Attempt to coat the brigadeiros with assorted toppings such as shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder. Ensure that the brigadeiros are well coated and that the toppings are evenly distributed.

Brigadeiro Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use coco powder made from unsweetened cacao beans, which is then processed in the same manner as cocoa powder. The equal amount (in weight) of Dutch cocoa powder can also be substituted. The flavor of Dutch cocoa powder is much richer, deeper, and smoother than that of standard cocoa (especially when used in baked goods, because it reacts better with baking soda). You can also substitute half cocoa powder and half carob powder for a chocolate-like experience without as much caffeine.
Unsalted butter: Replace with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free option or salted butter, but do not add the pinch of salt in the recipe.
Chocolate sprinkles: For a crunchy texture, use nuts finely chopped, such as almonds or pistachios. For a different flavor profile, use desiccated coconut.

Pro Tips

1. Sift the Cocoa Powder Before adding the cocoa powder to the saucepan, sift it to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth, even texture in your mixture.

2. Control the Heat Use medium-low heat instead of medium to prevent the mixture from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This allows more control and ensures a creamier consistency.

3. Chill the Mixture After cooking and allowing the mixture to come to room temperature, if it’s still too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes shaping the balls easier.

4. Enhance Flavor Add a few drops of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

5. Try Different Coatings In addition to chocolate sprinkles, consider rolling the balls in shredded coconut, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts for varied textures and flavors.