Brigadeiro – Brazilian Chocolate Truffles

Make authentic Brazilian brigadeiros at home with this easy chocolate truffle recipe. Using just sweetened condensed milk, butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate vermicelli, you’ll create rich, fudgy candies perfect for parties, holidays, and special occasions. This traditional brigadeiro recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious, homemade results with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397g)
• 1 tablespoon butter (14g)
• 3.4 oz dark chocolate (100g)
• Chocolate vermicelli (for decorating)

Instructions

1. Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a saucepan with the butter and sweetened condensed milk.
2. Set the pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a flat wooden spatula or any heatproof utensil to prevent the mixture from burning.
3. Continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when you can draw a line through the mixture and it takes about 2 seconds to fill back in. This should take around 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
6. Once chilled, scoop out portions about the size of a walnut. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth balls.
7. Roll each ball in chocolate vermicelli (or your topping of choice) and place them into mini paper liners.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

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Tips

• Stir constantly to avoid burning, especially toward the end as the mixture thickens quickly.
• Grease your hands lightly with butter when rolling the brigadeiros to prevent sticking.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller for evenly sized truffles.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or white chocolate for different flavors.
• Toppings: Roll in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar instead of vermicelli.
• Filling: Add a small hazelnut or piece of caramel inside each ball for a surprise center.

FAQs

Can I make brigadeiros ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can brigadeiros be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why is my brigadeiro mixture too soft or runny?
It likely needs more cooking time. Make sure it thickens enough before removing it from the heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve them at birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or as a sweet snack.
• Pair with coffee or espresso for a rich treat.
• Arrange them on a dessert platter with other bite-sized sweets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only four simple ingredients.
• Easy to make and fun to customize.
• Rich, chocolatey, and satisfyingly chewy.
• A classic Brazilian treat loved by all ages!