Brigadeiros are bite-sized chocolate sweets. Some people say they are bon-bons, other people say they are truffles but they come closer to fudge balls. Traditionally made of sweet condensed milk, chocolate powder, eggs and butter, nowadays it is rare to see recipes calling for eggs as an ingredient.
In Brazil every birthday party has some brigadeiros by the cake. And by the time everybody gathers around the cake to sing "Parabéns para você!" (Happy Birthday to you!) you can always see some empty paper cups because there's always a few naughty ones that eat the brigadeiros before Happy Birthday time.
Seriously, if you serve those little chocolate treats on your next party, you will be the most popular kid in town! Be sure you eat some before serving them to other people, because there won't be any left at the end!
In a small sauce pan mix the sweet condensed milk, the cocoa powder and the butter.
Bring the sauce pan to the stove and heat it over medium-low heat.
Cook it, mixing constantly (this is important, otherwise it will burn!) until it thickens. A way to know is to run your wooden spoon (or spatula) in the middle of the mixture. If it takes a while for the mixture to move, then your brigadeiro is ready! (You should be able to see the bottom of your sauce pan)
Reserve, letting it cool to room temperature.
In a plate or bowl, spread your sprinkles.
Once the brigadeiro is cool, grease your hands with butter and roll the brigadeiros into little balls.
Roll the brigadeiro balls into the sprinkles and place them in paper/foil candy cups.
