Brigadeiros are Brazilian candies quite similar to truffles. The traditional flavor is chocolate but these coconut brigadeiros are a wonderful variation. These candies are simple and foolproof and make a great summertime treat!
The Recipe
by volume by weight
3/4 cup sweetened 230 grams sweetened
condensed milk condensed milk
1/3 cup coconut milk 75 grams coconut milk
2 tablespoons butter 28 grams butter
1½ teaspoons corn syrup 10 grams corn syrup
3/4 cup shredded coconut, 45 grams shredded coconut,
plus extra for rolling plus extra for rolling
Directions
Mix all of the ingredients except for the coconut for rolling in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium low and cook while whisking constantly.
After approximately 8 minutes the mixture will form a ball that will hold together and slide when you tilt the pan to one side. The bottom of the pan will also be coated with a film — don’t scrape that up. You can also make a path in the mixture that mostly holds it shape.
Slide the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate until the mixture is firm enough to scoop. In my refrigerator, this takes about 1 hour.
Using a small ice cream scoop or melon baller (a teaspoon will work if you don’t have either of those), scoop the mixture into balls and roll them between your palms to smooth them. The balls should hold their shape. If not, they need to be chilled longer. Drop them into the extra coconut and roll them around to completely coat with the coconut.
Gently shake of any excess coconut and try not to eat these all at once!
Alternatives
I like these coconut brigadeiros rolled in unsweetened coconut so that they are less sweet. The mixture has LOTS of sugar already so that is my preference. They can be rolled sweetened coconut and they will still be delicious — just keep in mind that sweetened coconut will add another layer of sweet. Toasted coconut also works nicely as do chopped nuts such as pistachios and toasted almonds.
I like to store these candies in the refrigerator in the summer for a cool, coconutty treat. It also helps to keep them firm in the heat. If your kitchen is cool then room temperature is just fine.
