Your favorite Bird’s Nest Easter treat just got a whole new twist with Brazilian Brigadeiro. This easy foolproof 4-ingredients recipe for Brazilian Brigadeiro is topped with colorful jelly beans to make your celebration fun and sweet!
This recipe is perfect for your Easter and all Spring celebrations!

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When it comes to Brigadeiros, one can never be too old for this childhood favorite treat. This ‘receita de brigadeiro’ was passed down to me by my Mother followed my many generations before her.
In fact brigadeiros are on the list of most beloved Brazilian foods right next to beans and fish stew!
It’s no wonder everybody loves these chocolate truffle balls rolled in chocolate sprinkles. They are easy and quick to make, only requiring a couple pantry ingredients like condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter and of course, sprinkles.
Brigadeiro is a delicious treat that is served in birthday parties and all celebrations as a reminder of happy times shared with family and friends. However if you are looking for a healthier alternative to brigadeiro that is still delicious, try my Chocolate Bliss Balls.
What is brigadeiro made of?
The original recipe for brigadeiro contained eggs, but these days brigadeiro is made up of 3 simple ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. The mixture is refrigerated to cool down and help thicken the consistency, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
But of course you can always adjust the topping depending on the occasion, like these Festive Holiday Brigadeiros I made last season.
What is the difference between a truffle and a brigadeiro?
The main difference between a truffle and brigadeiro is that brigadeiros are soft on the outside as well as inside while truffles have a hard shell.
Do brigadeiros need to be refrigerated?
Yes! It is very important to refrigerate brigadeiros immediately after cooking so they set. This also helps to cool down the brigadeiro before rolling in the palm of your hands.
How would you describe Brigadeiros?
If you never tried brigadeiros these delicious Brazilian treats are creamy chocolatey bon-bons. They come in different sizes from bite size to jumbo brigadeiros and are typically rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
How to make Brazilian brigadeiros?
- To a skillet or small pan add butter and melt over low heat. Immediately add condensed milk and cocoa powder. Whisk consistently until creamy and the chocolate is easily detaching from the pan.
- Transfer to a buttered or sprayed plate. Refrigerate at 30 minutes.
- Add a pinch of butter to the palm of your hands then roll brigadeiro until perfectly round.
- Toss in chocolate sprinkles.
- Place in a paper or silicone cup. Top with 3 jelly beans each pushing down in the middle to form an indentation that looks like a bird’s nest.
Do you store brigadeiros in the refrigerator?
Well, if you are lucky enough to have leftover brigadeiros you can most certainly refrigerate them. However most times I live mine on the counter covered with a towel or wrapped in plastic.
Alternatively you can freeze brigadeiros for up to 3 months.
To defrost frozen brigadeiros simply leave them on the counter to reach room temperature.
Craving more sweet treats?
Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Cups
Bird’s Nest Brigadeiros
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz chocolate sprinkles
- 27 jelly beans
Instructions
- To a skillet or small pan add butter and melt over low heat. Immediately add condensed milk and cocoa powder. Whisk consistently until creamy and the chocolate is easily detaching from the pan.
- Transfer to a buttered or sprayed plate. Refrigerate at 30 minutes.
- Add a pinch of butter to the palm of your hands then roll brigadeiro until perfectly round.
- Toss in chocolate sprinkles.
- Place in a paper or silicone cup. Top with 3 jelly beans each pushing down in the middle to form an indentation that looks like a bird's nest.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.