Picture this: sweet, fudgy morsels with a delicate, creamy interior and a snowy white chocolate coat that just melts in your mouth. That’s the magic of White Chocolate Brigadeiros—Brazil’s beloved party treat reimagined with luscious white chocolate. These little bites are impossible to resist. They’re easy to make, stunning to present, and endlessly adaptable for any celebration (or cozy night in with a good movie). Whether you’re a seasoned brigadeiro fanatic or a newbie to Brazilian sweets, this twist on the classic will win your heart—and your sweet tooth—in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of White Chocolate Brigadeiros is how they transform simple pantry staples into truly special treats. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy richness of condensed milk to the luxurious finish of white chocolate sprinkles or coconut. Let’s break down the must-haves for this irresistible dessert.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The heart of the brigadeiro, it brings creamy sweetness and gives the mixture its smooth, fudgy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness, helps with setting, and prevents sticking as you stir.
- White chocolate (finely chopped): Melts into the mixture, adding rich, velvety flavor; use good quality for best results.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash heightens the flavors and adds aromatic warmth.
- White chocolate sprinkles or shredded coconut: For rolling, these create the signature look and an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
How to Make White Chocolate Brigadeiros
Step 1: Melt and Mix Your Base
Start by grabbing a medium nonstick saucepan—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier later. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and your chopped white chocolate right in the pan. Turn the heat to medium, and keep stirring gently but constantly. The chocolate will begin to melt into creamy bliss, and the whole mixture will start to thicken. As tempting as it is to walk away, stay close; constant stirring ensures a smooth, burn-free brigadeiro base.
Step 2: Cook Until Just Right
You’ll know your mixture is ready when it transforms from runny to thick, creamy, and glossy—a process that usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Look for it to pull away from the sides of the pan and come together in a soft, fudgy mass when you stir. Don’t rush; patience is the secret to that signature chewy texture of White Chocolate Brigadeiros. When it reaches this stage, quickly remove the pan from heat so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Add Aromatic Vanilla
Once off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition is magic, wrapping all the other flavors together and adding that inviting bakery sweetness we all love. Give it a thorough mix to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Cool and Set
Pour the cooked mixture onto a greased plate or dish—any nonstick surface is your friend here. Spreading it out a bit helps it cool faster. You can chill it in the fridge for speed or let it sit at room temperature; either way, you want the mixture completely cooled before rolling. This step is key for achieving perfect, tidy brigadeiros that are easy to shape.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
Now the fun part! Lightly butter your hands to keep the mixture from sticking. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll between your palms into balls about 1 inch wide. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—the homemade look is part of the charm. Next, roll each ball in white chocolate sprinkles or shredded coconut for a gorgeous snowy finish. Tuck each into a mini cupcake liner for a festive touch.
How to Serve White Chocolate Brigadeiros
Garnishes
While the classic coating of white chocolate sprinkles is always a crowd-pleaser, you can let your creativity shine with garnishes. Try a dusting of edible glitter for shimmer, or a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate for contrast. A pinch of freeze-dried raspberry powder or a single candied flower petal on each brigadeiro adds both flavor and beauty, elevating your presentation to irresistible heights.
Side Dishes
White Chocolate Brigadeiros are rich and sweet, so they pair beautifully with lighter sides. Serve them alongside fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. They also work well with coffee, espresso, or a glass of chilled dessert wine, making for a perfect treat at the end of a meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your White Chocolate Brigadeiros into a showstopper by arranging them in layered jars as edible gifts, or stacking them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. For a sophisticated twist, serve them in shot glasses with a dollop of whipped cream, or nestle them amongst pastel-colored flowers on a dessert platter. However you present them, these little confections are sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra White Chocolate Brigadeiros? They keep well! Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate—the brigadeiros will stay perfect for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so the garnishes stay intact.
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? You can freeze White Chocolate Brigadeiros for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat brigadeiros, but if you like them a little softer, take them out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This lets the centers return to their fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the coatings sticky or melt the shapes.
FAQs
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Traditional brigadeiros use cocoa powder or milk chocolate, but for White Chocolate Brigadeiros, white chocolate is essential for their signature flavor and color. However, you’re welcome to experiment—you’ll get delicious results, just a different style of brigadeiro!
Why is my brigadeiro mixture too soft to roll?
If your mixture is too soft to roll, it probably needed to cook a minute or two longer or cool more thoroughly. Simply chill it longer in the fridge; once it’s completely cold, it should firm up enough to shape easily.
Can I make White Chocolate Brigadeiros vegan?
Yes! Use vegan sweetened condensed milk and plant-based white chocolate, plus a dairy-free butter substitute. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still have a lovely treat to share with all your friends.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly greasing your hands with a little butter works wonders. You can also use nonstick gloves if you prefer. This makes rolling much easier and keeps your brigadeiros perfectly smooth.
Are White Chocolate Brigadeiros gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check decorations and sprinkles to make sure they’re safe if you’re serving anyone with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new favorite sweet to share with friends or savor on your own, give White Chocolate Brigadeiros a try. These creamy, bite-sized gems are the ultimate blend of simplicity and indulgence—once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become your go-to treat for every celebration!
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White Chocolate Brigadeiros Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 brigadeiros
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of White Chocolate Brigadeiros, a Brazilian treat that melts in your mouth. These no-bake delights are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus more for rolling)
- 4 ounces white chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate sprinkles or shredded coconut for coating
Instructions
- Cook the Mixture: In a saucepan, combine condensed milk, butter, and white chocolate. Cook until thickened.
- Cool and Shape: Stir in vanilla, cool the mixture, then roll into balls.
- Coat and Serve: Roll each ball in sprinkles or coconut. Place in liners for serving.
Notes
- Try coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for richer flavor.
- If mixture is soft, chill longer before rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brigadeiro
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
