Brigadeiros are Brazil’s classic chocolate truffles. In this version I add creamy hazelnut spread to the mixture and roll each bite-sized truffle in chopped hazelnuts for a rich, nutty twist.
These simple, indulgent treats are ideal for holidays, parties, weddings, or any gathering where you want an easy yet elegant dessert. The recipe uses just five basic ingredients and a little time on the stovetop.
I first tasted brigadeiros during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and I loved how comforting and chocolatey they were. Adapting the classic recipe by stirring in a spoonful of hazelnut spread made these even more irresistible. They’re straightforward to make and depend on steady stirring until the mixture reaches the right consistency—no tempering or complicated techniques required.
Once cooked and cooled, the mixture is shaped into small rounds and dressed in whatever coating you prefer. Because this version includes hazelnut spread, I coat each truffle in chopped hazelnuts to reinforce that toasted, buttery flavor. They’re addictive—be warned: it’s very difficult to eat just one.
What is Brigadeiro?
Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian confection similar to a chocolate truffle or bonbon. The traditional base combines sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa, and butter, cooked until thick and creamy, then rolled in chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut, or other coatings. This hazelnut variation keeps the classic texture while adding a Nutella-style note for extra depth.
How to make Brigadeiro
- Add the cocoa powder, butter, hazelnut spread, and sweetened condensed milk to a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
- Stir continuously for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes very thick and pulls away slightly from the sides of the pan.
- Tip: Stirring is the most important step. If the mixture is too loose after cooling, it won’t roll into clean balls. If needed, return the pan to the heat and cook an extra 3–5 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it’s safe to handle, about 20 minutes.
- Use a small buttered spoon to portion the mixture. Butter your hands lightly, then roll each portion into a small ball about the size of a quarter.
- Roll each ball in chopped hazelnuts until evenly coated, and set into small paper candy cups or mini muffin liners to serve.
Can I roll them in something else?
Absolutely. Brigadeiros are incredibly versatile. Try a few different coatings to find your favorite combination. Some classic and creative options include:
- Chopped peanuts
- Chopped macadamia nuts
- Chocolate sprinkles (traditional)
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Holiday colored sprinkles (red/green for Christmas, red/pink for Valentine’s Day)
- Shredded coconut
- Mini M&M’s or similar small candies
- Chopped pistachios
More hazelnut recipes to try
If you love the hazelnut flavor in these brigadeiros, you might also enjoy other recipes that feature hazelnut spread or toasted hazelnuts. Popular ideas include Nutella chocolate chip cookies, hazelnut muddy buddies, gluten-free Nutella brookies, Nutella Rice Krispie treats, and Nutella cheesecake bites.
Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro
Servings: 18 brigadeiro truffles
Prep Time: 25 minutes (including cooling) | Total Time: 45 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp hazelnut spread
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Combine the cocoa, butter, hazelnut spread, and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook and stir constantly for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for about 20 minutes, or until it is cool enough to handle.
- Using a small buttered spoon, scoop portions of the mixture. Lightly butter your palms and roll each portion into a ball roughly the size of a quarter.
- Roll each truffle in the chopped hazelnuts until fully coated, and arrange in paper candy cups or mini muffin liners.
Notes & Tips
- If the mixture seems too soft after cooling, return it to low heat and stir a few more minutes until it thickens sufficiently to roll.
- To speed cooling, spread the cooked mixture in a shallow dish and refrigerate briefly, checking often so it doesn’t become too firm.
- Store brigadeiros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, fudgy texture.
- For a dairy-free version, try using a non-dairy condensed milk and a vegan butter substitute, but note that texture and flavor will vary.
Nutrition Facts (per truffle, approximate)
Calories: 106 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Sugar: 13 g