If you’ve never had brigadeiros, get ready for a treat that’s going to sweep you off your feet. And if you’re already familiar with this Brazilian classic, then you know just how irresistible they are! These White Chocolate Brigadeiros are a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth twist on the traditional chocolate version, and trust me, you’re going to fall in love. Imagine creamy, silky white chocolate mixed with sweetened condensed milk, all rolled into bite-sized bliss and coated in snowy white sprinkles. They’re decadent, sweet, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a little homemade sweetness, these brigadeiros will be the highlight of the day!
Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Brigadeiros
What makes these little sweets so special? Well, here’s why you’re going to want to make a batch (or two):
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk creates a texture that’s smooth and velvety, making each bite a decadent treat.
- Simple to Make: Despite their indulgent flavor, these brigadeiros are super easy to make. All you need is a few ingredients and some patience while they set—no fancy techniques here!
- Perfect for Parties: Brigadeiros are a hit at any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, they’ll bring a touch of elegance and fun to the table.
- Customizable: Want to add your twist? You can roll them in different coatings like toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or even sprinkles to make them your own.
- Small but Mighty: These bite-sized beauties are perfect for those times when you just need a little something sweet to satisfy your cravings without overindulging.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy White Chocolate Brigadeiros:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The base of the brigadeiro. It makes the candy creamy and gives it that classic, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- White Chocolate: The star of the show! Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture, making the brigadeiros wonderfully smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: For a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Sprinkles or Toppings: Use white sprinkles, or you can get creative and try coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter to roll the brigadeiros in.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! These brigadeiros are simple to make but require a bit of patience, so get ready to enjoy the process.
1. Heat the Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, and butter. Stir gently, allowing the white chocolate to melt and incorporate into the condensed milk. Keep stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
2. Cook the Mixture
Continue stirring the mixture over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. The goal is to cook it until it thickens, similar to the consistency of pudding. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture starts pulling away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick, gooey texture that you can scrape from the pan easily.
3. Let it Cool
Once the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. It will be hot, so be careful when handling it!
4. Roll Into Balls
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, grease your hands with a little butter and begin rolling the mixture into small balls, about the size of a cherry. They should be smooth and compact, but don’t stress about them being perfect. The homemade look is part of their charm!
5. Coat the Brigadeiros
Roll each brigadeiro ball into your chosen coating. White sprinkles give it a festive, elegant look, but if you want to mix things up, try rolling them in toasted coconut, crushed pistachios, or any topping you love.
6. Chill and Set
Place the rolled brigadeiros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to eat.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once set, your White Chocolate Brigadeiros are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
How to Serve White Chocolate Brigadeiros
These little bites of joy can be served in various ways to make your experience even sweeter:
- On a Dessert Table: These brigadeiros are great as part of a dessert spread. They look beautiful arranged on a platter, and their sweet, creamy flavor pairs wonderfully with other treats.
- As Party Favors: Wrap them up in little gift boxes or treat bags as charming party favors. They’re sure to be a hit at any celebration.
- With Coffee or Tea: These brigadeiros make the perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their sweet richness balances out the warmth and bitterness of your drink.
- As a Sweet Snack: Whenever you’re craving something sweet, these brigadeiros are the perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: The key to a perfect brigadeiro is cooking it slowly, so take your time while stirring. It helps develop that perfect texture.
- For Extra Creaminess: If you want a super creamy texture, add a little bit of heavy cream while cooking the mixture. It will make the brigadeiros even softer and richer.
- Make Them Your Own: Experiment with different coatings. Toasted coconut gives a tropical twist, while chopped hazelnuts add a crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy inside.
- Leftovers: If you happen to have any brigadeiros left (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A1: Yes! You can make milk chocolate brigadeiros by swapping out the white chocolate for milk chocolate. It will change the flavor, but it’s equally delicious.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! These brigadeiros keep well in the fridge for up to a week, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Q3: Can I freeze brigadeiros?
A3: Yes, you can freeze them! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Q4: How can I make these brigadeiros dairy-free?
A4: To make these dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free white chocolate. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s completely dairy-free.
Q5: Do I need to refrigerate the brigadeiros?
A5: Yes, refrigerating them helps them hold their shape and stay firm. They’ll be nice and chilled, ready for you to enjoy!
Q6: Can I use regular chocolate sprinkles instead of white ones?
A6: Definitely! Regular chocolate sprinkles would provide a fun contrast to the white chocolate interior. Get creative with your coatings!
Q7: How big should I make each brigadeiro?
A7: Traditionally, brigadeiros are about the size of a small cherry, but feel free to make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Q8: Can I make these without a stove?
A8: While the traditional method is stovetop, you can try using a microwave to melt the ingredients. Just be sure to melt in short intervals, stirring well to avoid burning.
Q9: Can I roll them in something other than sprinkles?
A9: Yes! Try using crushed pistachios, toasted coconut, or even edible gold dust to give them a special touch.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale. Just be mindful of your cooking time and ensure you have enough space to roll and coat all the brigadeiros.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Brigadeiros are a sweet, indulgent treat that brings a touch of Brazilian charm into your kitchen. Rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to someone special, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, you can’t go wrong. Get ready to make these little delights, and be prepared to wow everyone with their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
PrintWhite Chocolate Brigadeiros
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 brigadeiros (depending on size) 1x
Description
White Chocolate Brigadeiros are a decadent Brazilian treat made from sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in white chocolate shavings or sprinkles. These indulgent sweets are a twist on the traditional chocolate brigadeiro, offering a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any celebration or as a delightful treat for yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped (or use white chocolate chips)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or desiccated coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- Melt the White Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning. Once the white chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. - Cook the Mixture:
Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 8-10 minutes. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when you spoon it. - Let it Cool:
Remove the pan from the heat and let the brigadeiro mixture cool for about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s comfortable to handle. - Shape the Brigadeiros:
Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking. Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut or a small marble (roughly 1 inch in diameter). - Coat the Brigadeiros:
Roll the brigadeiro balls in white chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or desiccated coconut to coat them evenly. - Chill and Serve:
Place the brigadeiros on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Serve and enjoy these rich, creamy treats!
Notes
- Coating Options: You can also roll brigadeiros in crushed graham crackers, candy sprinkles, or even chopped nuts for different textures and flavors.
- Storage: Keep your white chocolate brigadeiros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure they’re wrapped tightly.
- Make it Festive: For special occasions, you can use colored sprinkles or edible glitter to give your brigadeiros a festive look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brigadeiro
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg