A box of Brazilian Chocolate Truffles (Brigadeiros Recipe) feels personal and festive. Smooth, with a fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’re easy to package for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you treats.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly with a large heatproof spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is shiny and thick and begins pulling away from the bottom of the pan (tilting the pan slightly can make this easier to see), taking care to stir constantly. Do not overcook the mixture or it will become too chewy. These are supposed to be a mix between fudge and soft caramel.
Remove from the heat and stir in the cream, butter, and vanilla until melted and smooth. Pour the mixture into a dish or bowl and cover. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Once the mixture is set, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Using a half tablespoon, scoop balls (rounding can be done in the palms of the hands) and roll them in the sprinkles, covering them completely. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2–3 days.
Notes
*I used half of a 4 oz. Ghirardelli baking bar.-Chocolate jimmies are traditional, but for the World Cup, I used colorful ones. Cocoa powder or chopped nuts also work.STORE the rolled Brazilian Chocolate Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days—they’ll stay firm and chewy. If making ahead, FREEZE the unrolled mixture in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month.When ready to use, thaw in the fridge until firm enough to shape, then roll and serve. Bring to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.4o4o