Description
Pistachio Brigadeiro is a luscious twist on the traditional Brazilian sweet treat, blending creamy condensed milk with rich pistachio paste and cocoa powder. Rolled in finely chopped roasted pistachios, these bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and chocolaty goodness, ideal for parties, special occasions, or as a delightful homemade snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp pistachio paste
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Coating
- 1 cup unsalted roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- Additional sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Gather all ingredients and necessary tools such as a saucepan, spatula, greased plate or bowl, and a bowl for coating. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed milk, unsalted butter, pistachio paste, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir constantly with a spatula to prevent burning and allow the mixture to thicken, which takes about 10 minutes. The mixture should pull away from the sides of the pan when ready.
- Cool Down: Transfer the thickened brigadeiro mixture to a greased plate or bowl to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the next step to make handling easier.
- Shape Balls: Once cooled, grease your hands lightly with butter. Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat Brigadeiros: Roll each ball in the finely chopped unsalted roasted pistachios or optionally in sprinkles to cover them completely. This adds both texture and visual appeal.
- Serve & Store: Arrange the brigadeiros on a serving platter. They can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for longer storage.
Notes
- If pistachio paste is unavailable, finely ground pistachios blended with a small amount of neutral oil can substitute.
- Use unsalted roasted pistachios to control the salt level and enhance natural nutty flavor.
- For a smoother roll, refrigerate the mixture slightly before shaping.
- These brigadeiros can be customized with different coatings such as shredded coconut or chocolate sprinkles.
- Keep brigadeiros in a cool environment to maintain texture, especially in warm climates.