Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe with Only 3 Ingredients

Why You’ll Love Brazilian Brigadeiros

Looking for a quick and delicious treat? These Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros are the perfect answer! Made with just three ingredients, they’re rich, chocolatey, and melt-in-your-mouth good. This classic Brazilian sweet is super easy to make and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet craving. No baking required — just mix, roll, and enjoy! Whether you’ve tried brigadeiros before or this is your first time, you’ll love how simple and tasty they are.

Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe with Only 3 Ingredients

Ingredients for Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe:

Making brigadeiros at home is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

🥛 Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • 1 can (14 oz or 395g) of sweetened condensed milk
    This is the main base for brigadeiros, giving them their creamy and rich texture.

🍫 Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

  • 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
    For a classic chocolatey flavor. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste.

🧈 Butter

  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
    Butter adds a smooth, silky finish to the mixture and prevents sticking during cooking.

🍬 Chocolate Sprinkles (for coating)

  • About ½ cup of chocolate sprinkles
    These are used to roll the brigadeiros after shaping. You can also use shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles as a fun variation.

These simple ingredients come together easily to create a delicious, traditional Brazilian sweet that everyone loves!

How to Make Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe

Brigadeiros are Brazil’s favorite sweet treat — chewy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time:

1️⃣ Combine the Ingredients

In a medium non-stick saucepan, pour in the sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and butter. Mix everything together before turning on the heat — this helps avoid any lumps.

2️⃣ Cook the Mixture

Place the pan over medium heat, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Don’t walk away — the mixture can burn easily! Keep stirring until it thickens and you can scrape the bottom of the pan clean — this usually takes about 10–15 minutes.

3️⃣ Cool the Dough

Once it’s thick and fudgy, remove from heat and let it cool completely. You can spread the mixture onto a buttered plate and leave it at room temperature or refrigerate it for faster cooling.

4️⃣ Shape the Brigadeiros

Rub a little butter on your hands (to avoid sticking), then scoop out small portions and roll them into balls — about the size of a cherry.

5️⃣ Roll in Sprinkles

Drop each chocolate ball into a bowl of sprinkles and roll until fully coated. Place them in mini paper cups for a classic presentation.

6️⃣ Enjoy or Store

Your brigadeiros are ready to enjoy! You can serve them right away or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy these sweet, creamy treats — simple to make and perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve and Store Brazilian Brigadeiros


Brigadeiros are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, as this helps keep their creamy and soft texture. They are a popular treat for birthdays, gatherings, or any time you want a sweet bite. When serving, you can place them in small cupcake liners for a neat presentation.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours to keep their delicious texture.

Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe with Only 3 Ingredients

Brazilian Brigadeiro: Nutrition Facts & Healthier Alternatives

Brigadeiros are delicious but also quite sweet and rich because of the condensed milk and butter. They contain a good amount of sugar and calories, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. If you want a healthier version, you can try using dark cocoa powder with no added sugar to reduce sweetness. Another option is to replace butter with coconut oil for a different flavor and healthier fats. For a lower-calorie treat, consider rolling the brigadeiros in crushed nuts instead of chocolate sprinkles. These small changes can make your dessert a bit healthier while still tasty!


Would you like a healthier or vegan version of this recipe?

Approximate Nutrition Facts per Brigadeiro (1 piece):

NutrientAmount
Calories110–120 kcal
Total Fat4.5–5 g
Saturated Fat~3 g
Carbohydrates16–18 g
Sugars14–15 g
Protein1.5–2 g
Fiber~0 g

⚠️ Health Notes:

  • High in sugar – enjoy in moderation.
  • Use unsweetened dark cocoa powder to reduce added sugars.
  • For a healthier twist, roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut or crushed nuts instead of chocolate sprinkles.

Sweet, Simple, and So Worth It!

Who knew that just three ingredients could bring so much joy? These Brazilian Brigadeiros are proof that the best things in life are often the simplest. Whether you’re making them for a party, a movie night, or just a sweet moment for yourself, they never disappoint. So go ahead—roll, sprinkle, and enjoy every chocolaty bite. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!


Follow us on Pinterest @recifacil for more quick and delicious dessert ideas!

Curious about the history of brigadeiros? Learn more here.