If you have been to Brazil, you most likely have heard of one of their most popular desserts: brigadeiro. Brigadeiro, also known as “negrinho,” is a simple chocolate or vanilla bonbon that was created in the 1940s by Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira, according to Santa Barbara Chocolate. The original brigadeiro was made with only condensed milk, powdered chocolate, and butter. 

My family traditionally makes brigadeiros for every celebration. We always make a mixture of vanilla and chocolate brigadeiros, which taste amazing together. If you would like to also make chocolate brigadeiros, find the recipe here.

Ingredients

• 790 grams sweetened condensed milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp butter

Directions

1. Place 790 grams of sweetened condensed milk in a pan on medium heat.
2. Mix with two egg yolks, being careful to mix thoroughly so the eggs don’t scramble.
3. Mix with a spoon until the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. When you scrape the pan with your spoon and can see the bottom for a few moments, the mixture is ready for the butter.
4. Mix in the butter until it no longer sticks to the pan.
5. Remove from the pan and place it on a surface, preferably a large plate that has been buttered. Let cool for about 30 minutes.
6. If necessary, spread butter on your hands for the brigadeiro not to stick.
7. With a small spoon, make little balls out of the brigadeiro.
8. If you would like, you can fill a low bowl or plate with sprinkles, preferably small, and roll each brigadeiro in it to coat the surface.
9. Place the brigadeiro balls in miniature cupcake paper cases.
10. Enjoy!

After making these sweet treats, you can decorate them with sprinkles, preferably the smallest ones, since they stick the most. Brigadeiros can be embellishments for other desserts, like toppings for cupcakes, but there are also such things as brigadeiro cakes, which are most commonly found in chocolate flavor. Either way, these brigadeiros will certainly be a fan favorite for your family after the first bite.