Brazilian
👍 Beginner Friendly
40 mineasy
BrazilianDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsBrigadeiro de Panela is Brazil's most iconic dessert, a chocolate truffle confection that graces every birthday party, celebration, and family gathering. This simplified one-pot method creates silky smooth brigadeiros without the traditional individual rolling. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder creates an intensely chocolatey, fudgy texture that melts on your tongue. Originally created in the 1940s, brigadeiros are named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes and have become synonymous with Brazilian hospitality. This recipe produces a rich, glossy mixture that can be spooned into small portions or shaped into traditional balls. Perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight treats to elegant dinner parties, these chocolate delights represent the heart of Brazilian comfort desserts.
Instructions
step by step0/10 done
In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until cocoa powder is fully incorporated.
Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. The mixture will start thin and liquid.
Continue stirring for 15-20 minutes as the mixture thickens. It will begin to pull away from the sides and bottom of the pan.
Test for doneness by tilting the pan - the mixture should slowly move as one mass rather than flowing freely.
When ready, the brigadeiro should coat the spoon thickly and leave a clear trail on the bottom of the pan when stirred.
Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a buttered dish or plate. Let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, butter your hands lightly and scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon each).
Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts until completely coated.
Place finished brigadeiros in small paper cups or arrange on a serving platter. Serve at room temperature.
Brigadeiro de Panela
3.8 (133)
Rich, creamy chocolate brigadeiros made in a single pot. These beloved Brazilian truffles feature sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter rolled into perfect bite-sized treats.
easy
35 min
24 servings
Ingredients
0 of 7 checked
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 oz) milk, sweetened condensed
- 1/2 cups cocoa, unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 1/8 teaspoons salt
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract (optional)
For Assembly
- 1 tablespoons butter, for greasing hands and dish
Coating
- 1 cups chocolate, chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder
Chef Tips
expert advice•The key to perfect brigadeiros is constant stirring to prevent burning.
•Use medium heat, never high, as the sugars can scorch easily.
•The mixture is ready when it reaches the consistency of thick fudge and you can see the bottom of the pan clearly when stirring.
•For variation, try rolling in coconut flakes, crushed cookies, or colorful sprinkles.
•You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or instant coffee powder to the mixture for depth.
•If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of milk and stir over low heat.
•For a gourmet touch, use high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder.
•Traditional brigadeiros are about the size of a walnut - resist making them too large.
•The mixture will continue to firm up as it cools, so don't overcook.
•These make wonderful gifts when placed in decorative boxes or bags.
