Four Brigadeiro Recipes for Your Christmas Parties
Brigadeiros are popular Brazilian bite size desserts that have a fudge-like texture. They are delicious, easy to make, and will look festive and elegant on your holiday table. Brigadeiros look like small round chocolate balls and are a bit softer than truffles. The classic Brigadeiro recipe is quite simple, yet can be modified in almost limitless ways. Virtually all Brazilian parties and events feature Brigadeiros.
The Classic Chocolate Brigadeiro recipe uses three ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions:
1. Mix the milk, butter and cocoa in a medium non-stick pan. Use low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon.
2. Stir and cook continuously for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become dough-like and pull from the sides of the pan.
3. Transfer the Brigadeiro dough to a greased plate, spread the dough, then allow it to cool.
4. Shape the dough into small 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls. This mixture is sticky so it helps to lightly grease your hands first.
You should now have 30-40 small Brigadeiro balls. Transfer the balls to a mini baking cup or square of parchment for serving. The Brigadeiros will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Some optional toppings: Roll and cover each ball in chocolate sprinkles, nonpareil, coconut, cocoa powder, peanuts, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar.
That’s it!
For the Christmas holiday season, try each of the following four Brigadeiro recipe variations.
1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of light or dark rum to the mix to make a batch of Rum Brigadeiro.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg and 2 tablespoons of light rum to make Eggnog Brigadeiro. Roll and coat the balls in shredded white chocolate.
3. Add 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon powdered ginger to make Gingerbread Brigadeiro. Roll and coat the balls in crushed gingersnap coating.
4. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the mix to make Peppermint Brigadeiro. Roll and coat the balls in crushed red and white mint candies or candy canes.
Brigadeiros are the perfect finger food snack for your Christmas parties. Enjoy!