Craving a festive twist on a classic Brazilian treat? Imagine the rich decadence of a chocolate truffle with a crunchy burst of peppermint. These Fudgy Peppermint Brigadeiros (Brazilian-inspired mint chocolate truffles) are the perfect fusion to make your taste buds samba. If you've been searching for the perfect bite-sized treat for your holiday gatherings, this Peppermint Brigadeiro will be your new go-to!
NOTE FROM A NOMAD
If anyone ever asks me about Brazil, I will happily wax poetic about it for as long as they allow. The country's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people have a way of pulling you in - the air is often full of laughter, music, and celebration. And at those celebrations, you will usually find Brazil's national dessert, the brigadeiro. Brazil is a part of my journey that I'm always excited to revisit, both in person and through recipes.
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What are Brigadeiros?
Brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian treat, often a part of both celebrations like birthdays, as well as everyday life. The fudgy chocolate truffle-like confection is made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate powder or cocoa powder, then rolled into small balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles or other toppings. These simple yet indulgent confections hold a special place in Brazilian culture, and you can now find a variety of flavors and toppings other than chocolate.
- Where to try: In Brazil, brigadeiros can be found everywhere, from street vendors to brigadeiro-specific shops. They are a popular treat at birthday parties and festive gatherings, or made at home.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
In this 4-ingredient Peppermint Brigadeiro recipe, the quality of each ingredient results in a dessert that feels decadent despite its simplicity:
- Sweetened condensed milk: The foundation of brigadeiros (chocolate truffles) which provide the smooth, creamy base that thickens as it's cooked to create the dense, fudgy texture of brigadeiros. The only ingredients on the can should be milk and sugar - brigadeiros can't be made with sweetened condensed beverage creamer.
- Unsalted butter: Used to add richness and smoothness to the brigadeiro mixture.
- Cocoa powder: Using a good quality cocoa powder will create a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk. Traditionally, brigadeiros are made with instant chocolate powder (think Nescau/Nesquick or Ovaltine) but I prefer cocoa powder for balance.
- Peppermint candy: Rolling in crushed peppermint candy creates a refreshing, mint chocolate flavor and a festive crunch, making it the perfect coating for these holiday-inspired brigadeiros. If you don't have peppermint candy, crush those leftover candy canes!
Find the full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Fudgy Peppermint Brigadeiros
Step 1: In a medium-sized pot, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, constantly stirring and scraping.
Step 2: It's ready when you run a wooden spoon or spatula through the middle of the mixture and the mixture takes a while for it to come back together. This will take about 10 - 15 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the mixture onto the buttered plate into a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it is completely cool.
Step 4: With buttered hands, form smooth balls with about 25 grams (1 tablespoon) of the mixture. Roll the brigadeiro balls in the crushed peppermints until they are fully coated. Serve the peppermint brigadeiros as-is or in small paper cups.
🥣 If you're looking for more no-bake recipes, try this Biscoff (Speculoos) Tiramisu and No-Churn Rooibos and Gingersnap Ice Cream!
Variations
- White or dark chocolate: Swap cocoa powder with white or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
- Double mint: Add a ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract (not mint extract) for even more peppermint flavor
- Peppermint Mocha: Add ½ tablespoon - 1 tablespoon of instant espresso or instant coffee powder to the brigadeiro mixture to create a coffee-infused mint chocolate treat.
Equipment
- Sieve: Used to sift cocoa powder to remove any lumps, ensuring the mixture cooks evenly and achieves a smooth, fudgy texture.
- Silicone spatula (or wooden spoon): Essential for the constant stirring and scraping of the brigadeiro mixture as it cooks. Its flexible edges scrape the pot clean, preventing sticking and burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Medium pot: The medium pot is where the magic happens. The ingredients are cooked over medium heat until thickened, pulling away from the sides and forming a cohesive dough-like consistency.
- Candy cups (optional): Candy cups provide a decorative and practical way to serve the individual peppermint brigadeiros.
Storage, Freezing, and Making Ahead
- Storage: Store your Peppermint Brigadeiros in an airtight container in a cool and dry place at room temperature for up to 5 days. If room temperature is not cool, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Brigadeiros can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Making Ahead: This is a great make ahead recipe as you can cook the brigadeiros and roll them on different days.
Test Kitchen Tips
- The key to success with this fudgy truffle-like dessert is to constantly stir, scrape, and repeat. Stir, scrape, and repeat. It's ready when you get to the point of the mixture being cooked enough that you can part the mixture with your utensil and it will not back in for multiple seconds.
- If the brigadeiros don't roll properly, you may have undercooked the mixture but you can still eat the brigadeiro with a spoon! In Brazil, this is simply called "brigadeiro de colher" (spoon brigadeiro) - sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy over your spoonful and enjoy.
- To avoid any clumps of cocoa, sift your cocoa powder into the rest of the ingredients.
Explore More Recipes
📖 Recipe
Fudgy Peppermint Brigadeiros (Brazilian Chocolate Truffles)
Equipment
- Sieve
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Medium saucepan or pot
- Candy cups (optional)
Ingredients
- 397 grams sweetened condensed milk
- 14 grams unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering plate and your hands
- 25 grams unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted , or instant chocolate milk powder (like Nesquick/Nescau/Ovaltine)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 145 grams crushed peppermint candy or candy canes (about 30 peppermints), for coating
Instructions
- Rub a small amount of butter forming a thin layer on a shallow plate. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, constantly stirring and scraping. It's ready when you run a wooden spoon or spatula through the middle of the mixture and the mixture takes a while for it to come back together (see the "How to" photo in Step 2 on the blog post). This will take about 10 - 15 minutes.397 grams sweetened condensed milk14 grams unsalted butter25 grams unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted145 grams crushed peppermint candy or candy canes (about 30 peppermints)Pinch of fine sea salt
- Pour the mixture onto the buttered plate into a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it is completely cool.
- Once the brigadeiro mixture has cooled, put a little butter on your hands and form smooth balls with about 25 grams (1 tablespoon) of the mixture.
- Place the crushed peppermint candy in a small bowl or on a plate and roll the brigadeiro balls in the peppermints until they are fully coated.
- Serve the peppermint brigadeiros as-is or in small paper cups.
Notes
FAQ
What are brigadeiros, and how are they different from truffles?
Brigadeiros are a traditional Brazilian sweet made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate or other flavorings. It's cooked until thickened, then rolled into balls and coated with toppings. Unlike truffles, which are typically made with chocolate and cream, brigadeiros have a fudgier, chewy texture. Peppermint Brigadeiros add a festive twist with the refreshing flavor of mint chocolate.
What else can I use to coat the brigadeiros?
Brigadeiros are rolled in a variety of toppings like chocolate sprinkles, nuts, and colored sugar. For these Peppermint Brigadeiros, you can use crushed peppermint candies, candy canes, or any other minty treat you may have.
Can I use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, white chocolate can be melted and added to the condensed milk instead of cocoa powder.
How do I know when the mixture is ready to roll?
The mixture is ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a soft ball that holds its shape when dropped onto a plate. This typically takes about 10 - 15 minutes of cooking, stirring, and scraping over medium heat.
What if the brigadeiro mixture is too sticky to roll?
Lightly grease your hands with butter to make rolling easier. If the mixture is too sticky after letting it cool and thicken in the refrigerator, the brigadeiro was likely not cooked for long enough. Let it cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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