If you’ve ever dreamed of a candy that is both utterly indulgent and charmingly simple, this White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe is going to steal your heart. These little Brazilian treats combine the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the luscious sweetness of condensed milk, resulting in tender, bite-sized delights that melt magically on your tongue. Perfect for celebrations, gift-giving, or just a cozy night in, White Chocolate Brigadeiros bring a touch of joyful decadence that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe is how it uses a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, texture, and flavor in the final treat.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The creamy, ultra-sweet base that gives brigadeiros their signature richness and fudgy texture.
- White chocolate, chopped: Adds a velvety, smooth cocoa butter flavor and the beautiful ivory color so characteristic of these treats.
- Unsalted butter: Helps to enrich the mixture and gives a silky mouthfeel while preventing sticking.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Introduces a subtle aromatic warmth that lifts the white chocolate’s flavor beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor, so don’t skip it!
- White or pastel sprinkles, shredded coconut, or sanding sugar: For rolling, these add a delightful textural contrast and a festive finish.
How to Make White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe
Step 1: Melt and combine the base ingredients
Start by placing the sweetened condensed milk, chopped white chocolate, and unsalted butter into a medium nonstick saucepan. Set the heat to medium-low and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to melt everything evenly without burning. Patience is key here; keep stirring for about 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away gently from the sides of the pan. This luscious, fudgy consistency is what makes brigadeiros so wonderful.
Step 2: Add flavor enhancers and cool the mixture
Once your mixture has reached the perfect thick stage, remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract for that extra boost of flavor and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Then transfer the mixture onto a buttered plate or something lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely at room temperature, or if you’re short on time, pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 3: Shape the brigadeiros
After the mixture has fully cooled and set, grease your hands lightly with butter or a neutral oil to keep the mixture from sticking. Scoop out small portions—about one inch in diameter is ideal—and roll them gently into smooth balls using your palms. This step is fun and a little therapeutic, and you’ll feel like a brigadeiro artisan in no time!
Step 4: Coat your brigadeiros
Once rolled, it’s time to dress up your brigadeiros. Roll each ball in your choice of white or pastel sprinkles, shredded coconut, or sanding sugar to give them that signature festive look and a bit of texture contrast. These coatings don’t just look pretty; they also add a delightful extra layer of flavor with each bite.
Step 5: Presentation and serving
Place your finished brigadeiros into mini cupcake liners or arrange them snugly on a serving platter. They are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the smooth, luscious texture to shine through.
How to Serve White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles, coconut, or sanding sugar are traditional and always a hit, feel free to get creative. Try crushed freeze-dried strawberries or edible gold dust for a special occasion. The choice of garnish can elevate the brigadeiros’ look and add a touch of intrigue to each bite.
Side Dishes
White Chocolate Brigadeiros pair beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a glass of sparkling wine, or creamy hot chocolate. They also complement fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to turn them into a petite dessert spread. These treats bring the perfect hint of sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these brigadeiros in a colorful box as charming homemade gifts, use a tiered tray for party tables, or place them alongside other bite-sized desserts for an irresistible sweets buffet. They’re also stunning threaded on skewers for dessert Kabobs at gatherings or sprinkled around cake layers for a fun surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, storing them in the refrigerator for up to a week works wonderfully. Just be sure to let them return to room temperature before serving so they regain their soft texture.
Freezing
White Chocolate Brigadeiros freeze well, which is fantastic if you want to prepare in advance. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They’ll keep for up to a month in the freezer without losing their lusciousness.
Reheating
Brigadeiros don’t require reheating, but if you’d like a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth feel, leave them at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture and cause the coating to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe highlights the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, substituting dark or milk chocolate can create a completely different but equally delightful flavor profile. Just be mindful to adjust the sweetness accordingly if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Do I need a special pan to make brigadeiros?
No special equipment is needed. A good-quality, medium nonstick saucepan will do the trick perfectly, helping prevent the mixture from sticking and burning while you stir.
How long does it take for the mixture to cool before rolling?
Typically, you want the mixture to cool for about an hour at room temperature, or about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. It should be firm enough to handle but still soft enough to roll easily.
What are the best coatings to use for brigadeiros?
Traditional coatings include sprinkles, shredded coconut, and sanding sugar, each adding a unique visual and textural appeal. You can also experiment with finely crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even edible glitter for special occasions.
Are brigadeiros gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes! The ingredients used in this White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, making them a great choice for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe is one of those delightful, fuss-free delights that brighten any occasion with their creamy, luscious goodness. Whether you’re making them for a festivity, a treat-yourself moment, or a heartfelt handmade gift, they never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them and hear how much you love this sweet little slice of Brazilian magic!
Print
White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 20–24 brigadeiros
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
White Chocolate Brigadeiros are a delicious twist on the traditional Brazilian sweet. Made with sweetened condensed milk, creamy white chocolate, and butter, these fudgy, bite-sized treats are rolled in sprinkles, coconut, or sanding sugar to create a delightful textured coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gift boxes, they offer a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience with minimal ingredients and simple stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Rolling
- White or pastel sprinkles, shredded coconut, or sanding sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chopped white chocolate, and butter. Stir constantly to ensure even melting and avoid burning.
- Cook Mixture: Continue stirring until the mixture is fully melted and thickens, starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 10–12 minutes. The texture should be fudgy and dense.
- Flavor and Cool: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using. Pour the mixture onto a buttered plate or parchment-lined dish and allow it to cool completely. Refrigerating will speed up this process.
- Shape and Coat: Once cooled, lightly grease your hands and scoop out small portions. Roll each portion into 1-inch balls. Coat the balls with your choice of sprinkles, shredded coconut, or sanding sugar for a decorative finish.
- Serve: Place each brigadeiro in a mini cupcake liner or arrange them on a serving platter. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- These treats are excellent for holidays, parties, or as a charming addition to gift boxes.
- To speed up cooling, refrigerate the mixture after cooking before shaping the brigadeiros.
- Use any coating you prefer to customize the appearance and texture.
