Description
Pistachio Brigadeiro is a delightful Brazilian sweet treat that combines the classic creamy texture of brigadeiro with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. These bite-sized desserts are made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and finely ground pistachios, cooked to a fudgy consistency, chilled, then rolled into balls coated with extra pistachios for an elegant finish. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sophisticated snack, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- About 1/4 cup extra finely ground pistachios for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, finely ground pistachios, and a pinch of salt, stirring to mix well before heating.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens significantly and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 10-12 minutes. This step ensures the right fudgy consistency.
- Cool the Mixture: Transfer the thickened mixture into a greased dish or bowl. Let it cool to room temperature completely, then refrigerate for approximately 2 hours or until the mixture firms up enough to shape.
- Shape the Brigadeiros: Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the chilled mixture and roll each into smooth 1-inch balls, working quickly before the mixture warms up.
- Roll in Pistachios: Pour the extra finely ground pistachios into a shallow bowl. Roll each brigadeiro ball in the pistachios until fully coated, giving each a nice nutty crust.
- Serve: Arrange the pistachio-coated brigadeiros on a serving plate. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and let the pistachio flavor shine.
- Finely grind the pistachios for the mixture to create a smooth texture; reserve some extra finely ground pistachios for coating to add a pleasant crunch.
- Stir constantly during cooking to avoid burning the sweetened condensed milk.
- If mixture sticks excessively while cooking, lower the heat to prevent scorching.
- You can refrigerate the brigadeiros longer if you want a firmer texture before rolling.
- Store brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf-life, but bring to room temp before serving for best taste.
