Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe - Fantastic Fun & Learning (2024)

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Recipe 10 of the Christmas Cookies Around the World Holiday Project for Kids: Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe

If you are looking for a fun way to teach your children about different cultures and celebrate the holidays in your classroom, you can’t go wrong with any cookie recipe in this Christmas Cookies Around the World Series! In this post, we’re talking all about Brigadeiro Cookies and Christmas in Brazil. Brigadeiro Cookies also known as chocolate fudge sandwich cookies are a delicious and scrumptious Christmas cookie to make during the holiday season! They taste amazing and you can even customize your filling.

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GET ALL 12 COOKIE RECIPES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES WITH THE FULL CHRISTMAS COOKIES AROUND THE WORLD HOLIDAY PROJECT.

This Christmas Cookies Around the World project is a fun way to teach children about Christmas in other countries while tasting some delightful cookies!

The Christmas Cookies Around the World series will help you gently introduce preschool and early elementary aged children to:

  • World geography
  • Holiday traditions
  • Popular cookies from various cultures and parts of the world
  • Baking skills
  • Math and measurement

It is also designed to encourage togetherness through baking and kindness through sharing with others.

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Brief History of the Brazilian Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian dessert that is often eaten at parties and special events throughout the year, including at Christmas. You won’t even need the oven for this easy brigadeiro recipe. The chocolate truffles are made on the stovetop.

It is said that brigadeiro became popular in Brazil after World War II when a political candidate, Air Marshal Eduardo Gomes, who preferred to be called Brigadeiro, and his supporters shared the treats at political rallies and fundraising events.

Fun Facts About Brazil’s Christmas Traditions

  • Many Brazilian Christmas traditions come from Portugal as Portugal ruled Brazil for many years.
  • Nativity Scenes, known as Presépio, are very popular.
  • Most people, especially Catholics, will go to a Midnight Mass service or Missa do Galo (Mass of the Roster).
  • After the Missa do Gallo there are often big firework displays and in big towns and cities there are big Christmas Tree shaped displays of electric lights.
  • In Brazil, Santa Claus is called Papai Noel & Bom Velhinho (Good Old Man).
  • Sometimes children leave a sock near a window. If Papai Noel finds your sock, he’ll exchange it for a present!
  • Taking part in a ‘Secret Santa’, known as ‘amigo secreto’ (secret friend) is popular in Brazil at Christmas.
  • Favourite Christmas foods in Brazil include pork, turkey, ham, salads and fresh and dried fruits.
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Videos About Christmas in Brazil

Using this helpful video, find out what Christmas is like in Brazil.

Learn all about the different holiday traditions celebrated in Brazil around Christmas.

Want to know what the difference between Christmas is here and in Brazil? This video will compare them!

Websites for Teaching Kids About Christmas in Brazil

Use this website to find out how Christmas is celebrated in Brazil.

Learn all about the different Christmas Day celebration activities in Brazil with this link.

This article will walk you through how Christmas is celebrated in Brazil.

Books About Brazil’s Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Brazil by World Book

This book talks all about how Christmas is celebrated in Brazil including several carols, recipes, and instructions for making tree ornaments.

Additional Resources for Teaching Children About Brazil

Videos

Teach your kids all about what life is like around and in Brazil.

Use this helpful video to teach your kids about the country of Brazil.

This fun video will showcase popular Brazilian dishes that they eat in Brazil.

Websites

Learn about the country of Brazil with these fun facts.

Learn about the biggest country in South America with this website.

See what it’s like to visit Brazil using this helpful travel guide.

Books

Living in . . . Brazil by Chloe Perkins

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Discover what it’s like to grow up in Brazil with this fun picture book.

Brazil by Colleen Sexton

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In this book, students will learn all about Brazilian culture and what Brazil kids do for fun.

Brazil For Kids: People, Places and Cultures by Baby Professor

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This book will introduce your kids to everything they need to know about the culture and heritage of Brazil.

What Will I See In Brazil Geography for Kids by Baby Professor

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This book is a passport into what life is like in Brazil for your kids to learn more about the country.

If You Were Me and Lived in…Brazil by Carole P. Roman

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Travel to Brazil and learn all about what you would do if you were in that country!

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Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe

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Brazilian Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro Cookies, also known as chocolate fudge sandwich cookies, are a delicious and scrumptious Christmas cookie to make during the holiday season!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 24 Cookies

Ingredients

  • 14 oz sweet condensed milk one typical can
  • 1/2 cup chocolate powder cocoa powder or Nesquik
  • 1 tbsp butter plus more for hands
  • Chocolate sprinkles or your favorite sprinkles
  • Paper candy cups

Instructions

  • Prepare your ingredients

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  • Add the condensed milk, butter, and chocolate powder to a medium saucepan and stir.

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  • Cook over medium heat, for approximately 10 minutes, stirring repeatedly. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the pan with a spatula to avoid burning.

  • The brigadeiro is ready when you scrape the bottom of the pan, and the brigadeiro takes 2-3 seconds to come back to its place (You can also use a candy thermometer or regular food thermometer to check when the mixture reaches 205F.

  • Pour the hot brigadeiro into a buttered dish or a plate, and let it cool (about 45 min or until cool enough to handle).

  • Pour sprinkles in a deep plate or bowl.

  • When the brigadeiro is cooled, butter your hands, and scoop teaspoonful portions and roll little balls.

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  • Roll the little balls in the sprinkles. Then place in candy cups. Keep them in a cool place or in the refrigerator until serving time.

Keyword Brazilian Brigadeiro, Brazilian cookies, Brigadeiro, Christmas Cookies, Cookies

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Get Your FREE Christmas Cookies Around the World Taste Test Recording Sheet

Use the taste test recording sheet to have kids record information about the cookie(s) they tasted and rate how well they liked the cookies. Individual pages can be compiled into a taste test booklet for all the cookies you try in the series, or you can choose to have kids record only their favorite cookie if you prefer.

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Save paper by printing two or four to a page if preferred.

Get the entire 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Around the World project

For those interested in expanding the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Around the World project into a class or family project we’ve created a 50+ page activity guide to make it super easy for you.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Quick Reference List of Cookies and Countries
  • Generic Cookie Taste Test Recording Sheet
  • Cookie Taste Test Recording Table
  • Class Graphing Header and Voting Cards
  • Christmas Cookies Around the World Passport (three versions)
  • Taste Test Journal
  • Cookie Recipe Cookbook
  • Editable Cookie Recipe Page to add in additional family and multi-cultural options
  • Gift Tags
  • Notecards
  • My Family’s Favorite Cookie Recipe (two versions)
  • Editable Parent Letter (two versions)
  • Ingredient List by Cookie

The project is designed for use in the classroom, at home, or in community programs. Suggestions and modifications for each setting are included in the resource.

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Get your Christmas Cookies Around the World Project

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This project is also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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Brazilian Brigadeiro Recipe - Fantastic Fun & Learning (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about brigadeiro? ›

The origin of the dessert is uncertain, but the most common theory is that it was created by a confectioner from Rio de Janeiro, Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira, to promote the presidential candidacy of Eduardo Gomes. It is made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles covering the outside layer.

What does brigadeiro mean in Brazil? ›

The brigadeiro emerged during this time as a simple yet delicious treat made from the readily available condensed milk, mixed with cocoa powder and butter. The sweet is named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian Air Force officer who ran for president in 1945 and again in 1950.

Are brigadeiros supposed to be refrigerated? ›

How can I storage them? The best way to storage your Mary's Brigadeiro Chocolate is at room temperature in a cool and dry place between 17 and 20 degrees between 5 and 7 days for freshness. If you can't keep them in a cold place, storage them in the fridge for up to 12 days.

What does brigadeiro mean in english? ›

Translation of brigadeiro – Portuguese–English dictionary

brigadier [noun] in the army, the commander of a brigade.

What is the national dessert of Brazil? ›

The true Bolo de Rolo consists of the cake or dough that is rolled with a layer of melted guava. What is the national dessert of Brazil? The typical Brazilian dessert, originating from the Pernambuco state is considered as the national dessert of this country by Brazilian law.

How did brigadeiro get its name? ›

The Brigadeiro gets its name from the Brazilian politician and Air Force Brigadier, Eduardo Gomes, who ran for President in 1946. He didn't win the Presidency, but his famous and favourite sweet become popular.

What do Brazilians call pineapple? ›

Ananas comosus. It is very widespread in all tropical regions. The varieties of pineapple from Brazil (where it is known as abacaxi) tend to be particularly sweet and fully reflect all the nuances of the best pineapples.

What is Brazilian slang for hottie? ›

hottie {noun}

gostoso {noun} [coll.]

How long does Brigadeiro last? ›

If you're saving some for later, ensure they are refrigerated, best consumed within 12 days.

Why is my brigadeiros too sticky to roll? ›

If the mixture is sticking to your hands a lot, you can either lightly grease your hands with some butter, or instead just wet them with water. Roll this ball into the sprinkles, then repeat this until you have used all of the mixture. Now they're done, enjoy!

What is the difference between a truffle and a brigadeiro? ›

What is the difference between a truffle and a brigadeiro? Brigadeiros are unique in that they are made with sweetened condensed milk. They also do not have a hard chocolate coating, unlike truffles. They are soft in and out, and rolled in toppings.

Does brigadeiro go bad? ›

Storage: Reserve your brigadeiros in a plastic container covered with a tight lid at room temperature for 3 days or up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Make sure to eat them at room temperature. The brigadeiros won't go bad after 3 days, but they start crystalizing and tasting like sugar after that.

What is the most popular chocolate in Brazil? ›

The most popular types of chocolate in Brazil are milk chocolate, bonbons and truffles (preferred milk chocolate by 81% of people) while white chocolate (67 %) comes in second. In fact, Brazil is one of the largest markets for white chocolate in the world.

Who invented brigadeiro? ›

The word “brigadeiro” comes from Portuguese and refers to the military rank of brigadier. Popular history has it that brigadeiros come from Brazil and were invented by the wife of Air Force brigadier Eduardo Gomes, who was a candidate in their 1946 presidential elections.

What candy is popular in Brazil? ›

Brigadeiro is one of the best-known Brazilian candies in the country and is very popular at children's birthday parties. It is made from condensed milk, powdered chocolate, sugar, and butter and is shaped like a small ball.

What is a fact about mousse? ›

Interesting Food Facts about Chocolate Mousse
  • The word mousse is French and translates as “froth” or “foam.”
  • Cold dessert mousses are often poured into decorative glasses and garnished with fruit, sweet sauces, or whipped cream.
  • Savory mousses can be made from fish, shellfish, meat, foie gras, etc.

How long does brigadeiro last? ›

If you're saving some for later, ensure they are refrigerated, best consumed within 12 days.

What is a fact about chocolate mousse? ›

The French, lovers of culinary wonder, were first to discover mousse. It is actually a French word meaning “froth” or “foam.” “Mousse au chocolat” is French for chocolate mousse. The United States first became acquainted with chocolate mousse at a Food Exposition held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1892.

What is an interesting fact about chocolate mousse? ›

Chocolate mousse, as well as being delicious, also has a fascinating history. It was first discribed as "mayonnaise de chocolat" - and, more interesting, was invented by the French post-Impressionist painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, in the late 19th century.

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