Condensed milk, cocoa and butter cooked into a soft fudge, rolled into balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles.
What makes it brigadeiro
Condensed milk, cocoa and butter, stirred until it pulls from the pan.
Rolled by hand once cool.
Chocolate sprinkles all over.
Where it comes from
The usual story ties the name to Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, an air force officer who ran for president in the 1940s, and whose supporters are said to have made and sold the sweets for his campaign. It's widely told, if not proven.
Condensed milk made it easy, and it has been the sweet of every Brazilian child's birthday party since — lined up in little paper cases on the table.