When the craving for something sweet strikes, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of homemade treats. That’s exactly how I discovered the joy of Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiros—a luscious twist on a beloved classic. Imagine the moment you crack open a box of these delightful chocolate truffles, their glossy, smooth exteriors inviting you to indulge. Each bite offers a velvety richness complemented by the nutty flavor of hazelnut spread, instantly transporting you to a cozy Brazilian kitchen.
These brigadeiros are not just your average dessert; they adapt effortlessly to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive celebration, bringing a sweet touch to a potluck, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these little gems are crowd-pleasers that come together quickly. Plus, with the flexibility to roll them in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even coconut, there’s a variant for everyone’s taste preferences! Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this delectably easy recipe and elevate your dessert game!
Why love Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro?
Irresistible, creamy indulgence: Each Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro is a decadent chocolate truffle, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves you wanting more.
Quick and easy: You’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time, making them a perfect solution for last-minute dessert cravings or celebrations.
Versatile options: Roll them in your favorite toppings—think hazelnuts, coconut, or sprinkles—to tailor them to suit any occasion or personal preference.
Crowd-pleaser: Their rich flavor and handsome presentation make them an instant favorite at parties, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds.
No special skills needed: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, these brigadeiros are simple to whip up, allowing anyone to enjoy homemade desserts.
Treat your taste buds and impress your guests with these delectable truffles; your next dessert adventure starts here!
Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro Ingredients
• Prepare to create mouth-watering treats with hazelnut Brazilian brigadeiros!
For the Truffles
- Unsweetened Cocoa – Adds a rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste.
- Butter – Provides creaminess and binds the mixture; consider coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Hazelnut Spread – Infuses the truffles with nutty sweetness; any chocolate hazelnut spread will work beautifully.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Essential for texture and sweetness; seek dairy-free options if needed.
For Rolling
- Chopped Hazelnuts – Adds crunch and enhances the flavor profile; feel free to switch it up with peanuts, coconut, or sprinkles.
How to Make Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa, butter, hazelnut spread, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over medium, letting the mixture blend together beautifully.
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Stir Continuously: Keep stirring for about 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken and start pulling away from the sides of the pan—this is your cue that it’s almost ready!
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Cool Down: Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 20 minutes. Let it cool until it’s comfortable enough to handle.
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Shape the Truffles: Butter your palms lightly, scoop small portions of the mixture, and roll them into quarter-sized balls. It’s fun to feel the dough transform!
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Roll in Nuts: Take each ball and roll it in chopped hazelnuts, coating them thoroughly. Place the finished brigadeiros into paper candy cups or mini muffin cups for an extra touch of elegance.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a delightful finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro
- Room Temperature: Store brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture.
- Fridge: If you prefer a firmer truffle, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brigadeiros individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating: If you wish to soften the brigadeiros, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore their creamy goodness.
What to Serve with Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro Truffles?
These delightful truffles create the perfect opportunity to craft a memorable dessert spread that tantalizes the senses.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor of the brigadeiros.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee elevates the chocolate experience, bringing out the nutty nuances of the hazelnut spread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and sweet chill of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, creating a decadent combination of textures and flavors.
For an inviting dessert table, consider adding a selection of colorful fruit skewers. The brightness of the fruit will visually enhance the display and provide a juicy, light contrast to the richness of the brigadeiros.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or pound cake into a warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that complements the brigadeiros.
- Sparkling Water with Mint: This refreshing non-alcoholic drink cleanses the palate, balancing the sweetness of the truffles and adding a hint of sophistication to your gathering.
- Cheesecake Bites: Creamy cheesecake bites offer another layer of indulgence, providing diverse flavors and an enticing presentation alongside your brigadeiros.
All these accompaniments make your dessert offerings truly delightful, ensuring every guest leaves with a satisfied smile.
Make Ahead Options
These Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro truffles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chocolate mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe—combining the ingredients, stirring until thickened, and allowing the mixture to cool. Once cooled, cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roll your truffles. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop it out, roll it into balls, and coat them with your desired toppings. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious as if you made them freshly!
Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delectable treats with different flavors and textures!
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of hazelnut spread for a safe, nut-free option that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and choose a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture for an unexpectedly delightful heat that plays well with chocolate.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in finely chopped dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries, before rolling your brigadeiros for a sweet, tangy surprise.
For a more adventurous take, try incorporating a splash of espresso or coffee extract into the chocolate mixture. This adds depth and highlights the chocolate’s richness.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into your mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor that uplifts the chocolate notes beautifully.
- Matcha Magic: For a unique twist, incorporate matcha powder into your cocoa mixture to introduce a lovely green tea flavor along with a striking color contrast.
- Chocolate-Dipped: After rolling, dip the brigadeiros in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence, then coat with your desired toppings.
These variations ensure there’s something for everyone, transforming your brigadeiros into a delightful array of sweet treats!
Expert Tips for Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro
- Consistent Stirring: Stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning; a thick consistency is crucial for perfect truffles.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow the mixture to cool adequately before handling; this will prevent it from melting in your hands.
- Hand Buttering: Use a bit of butter on your palms when shaping the truffles to avoid sticking; this simple trick keeps your hands clean and the brigadeiros intact.
- Creative Coatings: Experiment with various toppings like chocolate sprinkles or coconut to customize your Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro and delight your taste buds!
- Taste Test: Before rolling into balls, it’s okay to taste the mixture; adjust sweetness if necessary, as everyone’s preference may vary!
Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting hazelnuts?
Absolutely! When selecting hazelnuts, look for ones that are firm and have a rich, nutty aroma. They should be free from dark spots or blemishes. If you can, try to purchase them roasted as they have a deeper flavor that’s perfect for brigadeiros.
How should I store leftover brigadeiros?
To keep your Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiros fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before indulging for the best texture!
Can I freeze brigadeiros? How?
Yes, you can freeze brigadeiros! For optimal freshness, wrap each truffle individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
What can I do if my brigadeiro mixture is too runny?
Very! If your brigadeiro mixture is too runny, you can thicken it by cooking it a bit longer. Return it to low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and pulls away from the pan’s sides again. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Are these brigadeiros gluten-free?
Absolutely! Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiros are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic treat for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that your chosen ingredients, like cocoa powder and hazelnut spread, are labeled gluten-free to be safe. Enjoy without worry!
Can pets eat Brigadeiros?
Not at all! While these truffles are heavenly for us, they are not suitable for pets. The ingredients like chocolate and sugar can be harmful to animals, so it’s best to keep these tasty treats away from your furry friends.
Heavenly Hazelnut Brazilian Brigadeiro Truffles to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa, butter, hazelnut spread, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over medium, letting the mixture blend together beautifully.
- Keep stirring for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 20 minutes.
- Butter your palms lightly, scoop small portions of the mixture, and roll them into quarter-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in chopped hazelnuts, coating them thoroughly, and place them into paper candy cups for elegance.