Pistachio Brigadeiro

If you’ve never had a Brigadeiro, get ready for an irresistible treat! This Brazilian sweet has become a favorite for many around the world, and we’re giving it a delicious twist with pistachios. These Pistachio Brigadeiros are creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet—imagine the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional Brigadeiro, with the added depth of pistachios. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Pistachio Brigadeiro

• Unique Flavor: The combination of creamy condensed milk and finely ground pistachios creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and nutty, a fun take on the classic Brigadeiro.
• Decadent Texture: Brigadeiros are famous for their smooth, fudgy texture that’s perfectly chewy yet melt-in-your-mouth.
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, this dessert is so easy to make, and you don’t need any special equipment—just a saucepan, a spoon, and a little patience.
• Perfect for Parties or Gifts: These little bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re elegant, fun, and so memorable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Pistachio Brigadeiros:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This forms the base of the brigadeiro and gives it its signature sweetness and creamy texture.
• Pistachios: Roasted, unsalted pistachios, finely ground into a powder. The pistachios bring a deep, nutty flavor to the brigadeiros.
• Butter: Adds richness to the mixture and helps achieve that perfect fudgy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings a beautiful depth of flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and highlights the pistachio flavor.
• Extra Pistachios (for rolling): To coat the brigadeiros, adding a crunchy and flavorful outer layer.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into making these Pistachio Brigadeiros:

Prepare the Pistachios:
Start by finely grinding your pistachios. You can use a food processor or a blender, making sure they are ground into a fine powder, almost like a pistachio flour. Set this aside for later use.

Cook the Brigadeiro Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and the ground pistachios. Stir constantly to combine, making sure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Stir Until Thickened:
Keep stirring as the mixture cooks. After 10-12 minutes, the brigadeiro mixture should start to pull away from the sides of the pan and become thick and fudgy. Be patient, and don’t stop stirring! Once it reaches a thick consistency that holds its shape, remove the pan from the heat.

Cool the Mixture:
Allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when rolling the brigadeiros into balls.

Roll into Balls:
Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon.

Coat with Pistachios:
Roll each brigadeiro ball in the extra finely chopped pistachios to coat them completely. This will give them a lovely crunch and intensify the pistachio flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:
Place the finished brigadeiros on a plate or serving tray. They are best enjoyed at room temperature, so feel free to let them sit for a few minutes after rolling. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150-180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Pistachio Brigadeiro

These Pistachio Brigadeiros are perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:

• At a Party: Serve them on a cute dessert tray alongside other Brazilian treats like Coxinha or Pao de Queijo for a fun, international treat spread.
• Gift: Package them up in a pretty box tied with ribbon as a unique, homemade gift for friends or family.
• As a Snack: These brigadeiros make a wonderful afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re small, so you can have just one or two and feel completely satisfied.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to elevate your Pistachio Brigadeiros:

• Use Fresh Pistachios: Make sure the pistachios are fresh for the best flavor. If you’re using salted pistachios, omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by a couple of tablespoons.
• Customize the Coating: While pistachios are the classic choice, you can experiment with other coatings such as crushed almonds, hazelnuts, or even cocoa powder for a different twist.
• Make It Vegan: For a dairy-free version, swap out the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Pistachio Brigadeiros ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge.

Q2: Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios?
A2: Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews, though they’ll alter the flavor slightly.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Q4: Can I freeze Pistachio Brigadeiros?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Place the brigadeiros in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q5: How do I prevent the mixture from burning while cooking?
A5: Keep the heat at medium to low, and make sure you’re constantly stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

Q6: Can I use a food processor to grind the pistachios?
A6: Yes, a food processor is perfect for grinding the pistachios. Just pulse them a few times until they’re finely ground, but be careful not to turn them into a paste.

Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients.

Q8: Can I coat the brigadeiros with something other than pistachios?
A8: Yes! You can coat them with any chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even sprinkles for a fun twist.

Q9: Can I make these with chocolate?
A9: You can add melted chocolate to the brigadeiro mixture for a chocolate pistachio flavor. Just melt the chocolate and mix it in with the sweetened condensed milk and butter before cooking.

Q10: Can I make these with a non-dairy version of condensed milk?
A10: Yes, you can use a non-dairy condensed milk substitute like coconut condensed milk to make these dairy-free.

Conclusion

These Pistachio Brigadeiros are a fun and elevated take on a beloved Brazilian treat. With their creamy texture, nutty flavor, and sweet finish, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy!

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