Chocolate brigadeiros are a smooth creamy condensed milk candy from Brazil. They are easy to make and require just a few pantry staples as ingredients. Add a hint of orange to make them an extra special treat!
You will not believe how easy these chocolate condensed milk candies are to make. All you need is sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter and some sprinkles to finish them off.
A splash of orange extract may not be traditional, but it makes them extra delicious. We love that flavor combination in this candy and in chocolate orange fudge.
Follow this simple recipe to make yourself a decadent treat. They are great for parties or save them for yourself to indulge your sweet tooth a little here and there!
Brazilian Candy Balls
These yummy orange and chocolate treats are the convergence of two cravings. I have been wanting to make something orange and chocolate for a while now.
Little Dude has been wanting to make brigadeiros ever since he learned about them in his Brazil package from Little Passports. Each box comes with a recipe and the brigadeiro recipe drew us both in.
We decided there was no reason we couldn’t satisfy both wants with one treat. So we made brigadeiros with an orange twist!
If you aren’t familiar with these Brazilian candy balls, they are a lot like a truffle. The texture, however, is different.
It is a little soft and chewier, less dense than the ganache of truffles. They are super smooth and perfectly chocolaty. Plus there is less concern about breaking or scorching chocolate.
To make this brigadeiro recipe, all you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk, a little bit of butter and some cocoa powder. We added a teaspoon of orange emulsion which added just the right amount of orange flavor.
It really balanced nicely without overwhelming the chocolate. If you want traditional treats, just leave it out. Or feel free to play with whatever flavor you might like.
The chocolate sprinkles really are a perfect way to finish off your brigadeiro. They are how you most often see them coated.
This is another place where you could be creative though. Try finely chopped nuts or coconut for something different.
Storing Homemade Brigadeiro
Brigadeiros are best served at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for 3 days.
For longer storage, put them in the refrigerator. Chilled they can be stored for a couple of weeks.
I have read that they can be frozen for up to three months, but I haven’t given that a try. So I am not sure if the texture would be affected. I’ll let you know what happens if we do it!
Though they are unlikely to last that long if the people who live in your house know they are there! I kept seeing hands reaching for them at my house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a brigadeiro made of?
Brigadeiros are a simple chocolate condensed milk candy that only requires 3 simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter. You will want to have something to roll them in as well, usually sprinkles or coconut.
Why are brigadeiros so popular?
For one, they are really easy to make. The dense sticky chocolate candy is the perfect texture. It’s a little softer than fudge or a traditional truffle, and practically melts in your mouth.
More Easy Condensed Milk Candy Recipes
If you like making easy candies like these, I have more recipes for you to try. Check out my collection of candy and fudge recipes for inspiration or try one of the following ideas.
Red velvet truffles are perfect for Christmas or Valentines Day. The bright red color and smooth fudgy texture are sure to win you over.
Martha Washington candies are another classic that uses condensed milk as a glue to hold it all together. They feature cherries, coconut and pecans to make them flavorful.
Did you know you can make Oreo balls with condensed milk? Well you can and you should! This easy recipe only takes a few ingredients to make.
Pro Tip: Use dampened hands to roll the chocolate mixture. It will keep it from sticking to your hands and also help the sprinkles to stick to the candy.
Chocolate Orange Brigadeiros
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon orange extract or emulsion
- chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large skillet, stir together sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder. Add butter and warm over medium low heat.14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- Stir constantly until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes. It should be thick enough to hold the trail of your spoon for a few seconds as you stir.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange emulsion.1 teaspoon orange extract or emulsion
- Chill until firm.
- Grease or dampen your hands, then roll the chilled mixture into small balls. Roll the balls in sprinkles then place in small cupcake papers.chocolate sprinkles
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week or two.
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies
Thursday 12th of March 2020
Yum, yum, yum!!! That's all I can say!
Carlee
Thursday 19th of March 2020
So easy and soooo tasty!
Audrey Wright
Tuesday 3rd of March 2020
I was thinking that candy season was over, but I was pretty excited when I saw this candy recipe. It isn't like I don't eat candy all year long!!!
Carlee
Thursday 19th of March 2020
I eat it all year too, but only think to make it at the holidays. I think that should change!
Andrea Nine
Wednesday 26th of February 2020
These look so decadent and delightful and makes me think you should add chocolate shop owner to your resume!
Carlee
Monday 2nd of March 2020
Wouldn't that be fun?! Thanks Andrea!