Brazilian chocolate truffles, or Brigadeiros, are a popular dessert in Brazil. These small, bite-sized treats are made with only a few simple ingredients and are easy to prepare, making them a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs. The creamy, chocolatey filling is coated in chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli, adding a fun and festive touch to any occasion. So, Brazilian chocolate truffles will satisfy your cravings whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick sweet snack. So, let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delicious treats at home!
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What is Brazilian Chocolate Truffles?
Brazilian chocolate truffles, or Brigadeiros, are a popular dessert in Brazil. These bite-sized treats are made with sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate, and butter. The mixture is cooked over medium heat until it thickens and then shaped into small balls before being rolled in chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli. The result is a creamy, chocolatey filling with a crunchy outer layer. Brigadeiros are often served at birthday parties, weddings, and other celebrations in Brazil, but they also make a delicious and easy-to-prepare dessert for any occasion.
Brazilian Chocolate Truffles Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Unsalted butter: The butter is melted and added to the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder/baking chocolate to make the mixture smooth and creamy. It also greases the hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient provides sweetness and creaminess to the truffles. It is a thick, syrup-like milk that has been boiled to remove most of the water content, leaving behind concentrated and sweet milk.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate: These ingredients provide the chocolate flavor to the truffles. Cocoa powder is made by grinding cocoa beans and removing the fat (cocoa butter), while baking chocolate is made of cocoa solids and butter. Both can be used interchangeably in the recipe.
- Vanilla extract: This ingredient adds flavor and enhances the taste of the truffles.
- Chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli: These are used to coat the truffles, adding a crunchy texture and a decorative touch to the final product. They are small, sweet, and colorful pieces of chocolate that can be easily found in most grocery stores.
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How to Make Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine the condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and simmer, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and, when stirred, pulls away from the bottom of the pan for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and place the mixture in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled for about 1 hour. Lightly butter your hands. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, scoop some of the truffle mixtures into your hands and roll it into a bite-size ball.
Roll the truffle in the chocolate sprinkles/vermicellis until covered and place it on mini silver foil baking cups, mini cupcake cups, or plates. Continue with the remaining chocolate. Store the Brazilian Chocolate Truffles in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!😋
Substitutions
- Unsalted butter: You can substitute with salted butter, but reduce the salt in the recipe to compensate.
- Sweetened condensed milk: You can use a dairy-free alternative, such as condensed coconut milk, or make your own by simmering milk and sugar until it thickens.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate: You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of unsweetened baking chocolate. You can also use a hot chocolate mix instead of cocoa powder, resulting in a sweeter truffle.
- Vanilla extract: You can omit the vanilla extract or use other extracts such as almond, coconut, or orange.
- Chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli: You can use chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies to coat the truffles. You can also use different colors of sprinkles to match the occasion.
Variations
- White chocolate truffles: Replace the unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate with white chocolate. Roll the truffles in shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers.
- Nutella truffles: Add ¼ cup of Nutella to the mixture before cooking. Roll the truffles in chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder.
- Mint chocolate truffles: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture. Roll the truffles in crushed candy canes or mint chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter truffles: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the mixture before cooking. Roll the truffles in crushed peanuts or chocolate chips.
- Caramel truffles: Drizzle caramel sauce over them before rolling them in chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli.
- Coffee truffles: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the mixture before cooking. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or chopped coffee beans.
How to Serve
- On a dessert platter: Arrange the truffles and serve them as a sweet snack or dessert.
- As a party favor: Wrap the truffles in colorful cellophane or paper and tie them with a ribbon to give as a party favor or gift.
- On a cake: Decorate a cake with the truffles, either by placing them on top of the cake or around the edges.
- In a dessert bar: Set up a dessert bar with various toppings and sauces, and allow guests to create customized truffles.
- With coffee or tea: Serve the truffles as a sweet accompaniment to coffee or tea.
How to Store
To store Brazilian chocolate truffles, it's best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. After that, you can separate the layers of truffles with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Make-Ahead
Brazilian chocolate truffles are an excellent make-ahead dessert option that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. After making the truffles, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to one month. If you're storing the truffles in the freezer, it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Then, when you're ready to serve, take the truffles out of the fridge or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. To make the truffles look their best, roll them in chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli before serving. With these simple steps, you can save time and reduce stress when preparing a dessert for a party or gathering without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
How to Freeze
To freeze the truffles, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the truffles on it, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze the truffles for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and name of the truffles and store them in the freezer for up to one month. When you're ready to serve the truffles, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once melted, the truffles will be prepared to serve at room temperature.
Tips for Making The Best Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
- Use high-quality ingredients: Your ingredients' quality will affect the truffles' taste and texture. Use good-quality chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate for the best flavor.
- Be patient when cooking the mixture: Cooking the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes is crucial to achieving the right consistency. Stir constantly to avoid burning the mixture and ensure that it thickens properly.
- Let the mixture cool before shaping: It will be too sticky to shape if it's too hot. Let it cool to room temperature before shaping it to avoid making a mess.
- Grease your hands: Greasing your hands with butter will make it easier to shape the truffles and prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Use a small cookie scoop: A small one will help you shape the truffles into uniform sizes, making them look more professional.
- Refrain from over-handling the truffles: Over-handling them can make them lose shape and become too soft. Handle them gently and quickly to keep their shape.
- Experiment with different coatings: While chocolate sprinkles and vermicelli are traditional coatings for Brazilian chocolate truffles, you can experiment with other layers, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies, to add texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I make Brazilian chocolate truffles without condensed milk?
No, condensed milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe. It provides the sweetness and creaminess needed to make the truffles.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the truffles?
You can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter truffle. Remember that the final flavor and sweetness level will be different.
Can I use other coatings besides chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli?
To add texture and flavor, you can experiment with other coatings, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies.
How long will the Brazilian chocolate truffles keep in the refrigerator?
The truffles will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
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📋 Recipe
How to Make Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter , plus for your hands
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 200g unsweetened baking chocolate bar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Chocolate sprinkles/ vermicelli
Instructions
- Combine the condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and, when stirred, pulls away from the bottom of the pan, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and place the mixture in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled for about 1 hour.
- Lightly butter your hands. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, scoop some of the truffle mixtures into your hands and roll it into a bite-size ball.
- Roll the truffle in the chocolate sprinkles/vermicellis until covered and place it on mini silver foil baking cups or mini cupcake cups or plate. Continue with the remaining chocolate. Store the Brazilian Chocolate Truffles in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
