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Christmas Brigadeiro Recipe

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5 from 12 reviews

This Christmas Brigadeiro recipe offers a festive twist on the classic Brazilian sweet treat, enhanced with warm spices and orange liqueur for holiday cheer. Rich, creamy, and fudgy, these chocolaty delights are beautifully coated in colorful sprinkles making them a perfect seasonal dessert or gift.

Ingredients

Brigadeiro Mixture

  • 1 can (400 ml or 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tbsp. (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp. (30 g) butter, divided plus extra for greasing hands
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
  • a small pinch of clove
  • 2 tbsp. (30 ml) orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) festive green, red, and white sprinkles (jimmies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a heavy-bottomed saucepan thoroughly with 1 tbsp. (15 g) of butter, covering both the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove), orange liqueur, and the remaining 1 tbsp. (15 g) of butter into the greased pan.
  3. Bring to a Slow Boil: Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly, starting with a whisk and then switching to a wooden spoon or spatula as the mixture heats, bringing it gently to a slow boil.
  4. Cook Until Fudgy: Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and continue stirring constantly for about 12 minutes, allowing the mixture to become thick, creamy, and fudgy. Monitor closely to avoid burning, stirring vigorously especially as it thickens.
  5. Manage Heat & Prevent Burning: If the mixture starts boiling too rapidly or small caramelized bits appear, quickly remove the pan from heat for 30 seconds, then reduce heat and return it. Optionally add a small knob of butter or a splash of orange liqueur to slow cooking if needed.
  6. Check for Doneness: Test readiness by scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon; the mixture should take 2-3 seconds to fill back in. Alternatively, use a candy thermometer to cook until the mixture reaches 205°F-208°F.
  7. Cool the Mixture: Transfer the hot Brigadeiro mixture to a dish or plate without scraping the pan excessively. Let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours or refrigerate to speed up cooling.
  8. Form the Brigadeiros: (Although not explicitly stated, typically) grease your hands with butter, scoop small portions of the cooled mixture and roll into balls.
  9. Coat with Sprinkles: Roll the brigadeiro balls in festive green, red, and white sprinkles until fully coated.
  10. Store and Serve: Store in a cool place or refrigerate until serving. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes prior to serving for best texture and flavor. Enjoy your festive Christmas Brigadeiro!

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
  • Stir constantly to avoid burning the Brigadeiro, especially after it reaches a slow boil.
  • Add a splash of orange liqueur or a small knob of butter if the mixture boils too fast.
  • If you don’t have a candy thermometer, rely on the scraping test to check doneness.
  • Refrigerate the mixture to cool faster if you're short on time.
  • Roll the Brigadeiro into small bite-sized balls for traditional presentation.
  • Use colorful sprinkles to enhance the festive appearance for Christmas celebrations.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/christmas-brigadeiro-recipe/