Brigadeiros are a chocolatey sweet dessert or treat that originated in Brazil 🇧🇷
A brigadeiro is generally shaped into small balls covered in chocolate sprinkles and placed in a small cupcake liner.
A little history of this little ball of heaven! The origin of the name “Brigadeiro” is linked to the presidential campaign of Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, UDN candidate for the Presidency of the Republic in 1946.
Heloísa Nabuco de Oliveira, a member of a traditional carioca family who supported the brigadier’s candidacy, created a new confection and named it after the candidate. The doce de brigadeiro (lit. brigadier’s sweet) became popular, and the name was eventually shortened to just “brigadeiro.”
Women at the time would sell brigadeiro in support of the presidential candidate as it was the first national election in which women were able to vote.
Brigadeiros are now a popular confection throughout the country, especially for festive events. They are commonly made at home, found in bakeries and in snack shops. A brigaderios is commonly served as a round ball rolled in chocolate sprinkles, but the chocolate mixture may also be poured into a small container, and eaten with a spoon, and this is known as a brigadeiro de colher (literally, “spoon brigadeiro”).
Now all I need is a visit to a good Brazilian cafe and I’m set!! Until then, I’m making these treats at home to enjoy.