Irresistible Brazilian Coconut Beijinho Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet and irresistible, this traditional Brazilian beijinho recipe brings the essence of celebration right to your kitchen.

Coconut lovers will adore this delectable treat that melts in your mouth.

Each small, round confection carries the rich, creamy flavor of condensed milk and fresh coconut.

Brazilian parties always sparkle with these bite-sized delights that dance between dessert and pure joy.

Rolling these little coconut truffles becomes a delightful experience that connects you to Brazil’s culinary heart.

The simple ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe a perfect choice for any festive moment.

Dive into this delicious journey and let the beijinho transport you to the vibrant streets of Brazil.

Ingredients for Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundation that provides rich sweetness and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps prevent sticking while enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Unsweetened Grated Coconut: Delivers authentic tropical texture and traditional Brazilian dessert character with delightful nutty undertones.
• Grated Coconut (For Rolling): Creates elegant exterior coating that adds extra crunch and visual appeal.

• Whole Cloves: Provides charming decorative element with subtle aromatic touch, enhancing visual and sensory experience of the dessert.

Tools Required for Beijinho Preparation

• Medium-sized saucepan or small Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the beijinho mixture evenly and controlling heat.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for checking mixture consistency and scraping sides of the pan.
• Plate: Needed for cooling the cooked mixture smoothly.
• Plastic wrap: Helps cover and protect the cooling mixture.
• Thermometer (optional): Useful for precise temperature checking.
• Small paper cups: Great for serving and presenting beijinhos.
• Cloves: Adds a decorative and aromatic touch to the dessert.
• Grater: Helps prepare fresh grated coconut for rolling and coating.

Instructions to Make Traditional Beijinho

• Coconut Caramel Base

Combine sweetened condensed milk, fresh coconut, and butter in a saucepan. Heat gently while stirring, watching the mixture transform into a rich, creamy texture. The magic happens when the blend becomes thick and starts pulling away from the pan edges.

• Cooling Moment

Pour the warm mixture onto a buttered plate, spreading it evenly. Let the preparation rest and cool down completely, allowing flavors to settle and consistency to firm up.

• Gentle Shaping

With butter-coated hands, roll small portions of the cooled mixture into delicate round balls. Each piece should be compact and smooth, about the size of a cherry.

• Coconut Finale

Lovingly roll each ball in fresh coconut shavings. For an elegant touch, gently press a clove into the center of each sweet treat. Arrange on decorative small paper cups for a charming presentation.

• Serving Tip

Present these Brazilian delights to guests, quietly reminding them to remove the clove before enjoying the sweet coconut sensation.

Cooking Tips & Flavor Additions

• Coconut Clove Charm: Add a festive touch by using different colored coconut flakes for special occasions or holidays.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beijinho balls up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Skip the whole clove for child-friendly versions, instead decorating with colorful sprinkles or small edible decorations for a playful presentation.
• Temperature Trick: Use a candy thermometer for precision cooking, ensuring the perfect consistency every single time without guesswork.
• Flavor Fusion: Experiment with adding a tiny drop of vanilla extract or replacing some coconut with ground almonds to create unique flavor profiles that complement the traditional Brazilian sweet.

How to Serve Beijinho at Parties

• Sweet Celebration Platter: Arrange beijinhos on a beautiful white platter with decorative paper cups, creating an elegant Brazilian-inspired dessert display perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Festive Holiday Treat: Serve these coconut delights during Christmas or New Year's celebrations, presenting them alongside other traditional Brazilian sweets like brigadeiros for a delightful dessert spread.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair beijinhos with Brazilian coffee or black tea, offering guests a delectable bite-sized treat that complements the warm beverage's rich flavors and provides a delightful sweet moment.
• Kids' Party Favorite: Place beijinhos on colorful dessert tables at children's birthday parties, allowing little guests to enjoy these bite-sized coconut balls as a fun and tasty dessert option that's easy to handle and eat.

Storing Beijinho for Later Use

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store beijinhos in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, creating layers between each sweet to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for maximum freshness up to 5 days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beijinho mixture a day before shaping and rolling, allowing flavors to develop and intensify in the refrigerator. This technique enhances the coconut's richness and sweetness.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual beijinhos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Party Preparation Hack: Create beijinhos in advance for gatherings. Set out at room temperature 30 minutes before guests arrive, ensuring soft, delectable texture and allowing coconut coating to soften slightly for easier enjoyment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-35 minutes

Calories: 124 kcal

Servings: 13

Sweet Beijinho Recipe

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• Total Time: 25-35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Brazilian beijinho delights guests with creamy coconut truffles rolled in sweet coconut shavings. Simple ingredients create a beloved Brazilian party treat that charms dessert enthusiasts with its rich, delectable charm.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ⅓ cups (100 grams) unsweetened grated coconut
• 1 can (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Unsalted butter (for greasing plate and hands)
• Grated coconut (for rolling)
• Whole cloves (for decorating)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, merge sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and butter over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth blending.
2. Cook and Thicken: Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, consistently stirring until the consistency transforms, creating a temporary path when a spatula glides through the center, indicating proper thickening.
3. Cool and Set: Transfer the cooked mixture onto a generously buttered plate, spreading evenly to accelerate cooling. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest at room temperature until completely solidified.
4. Shape and Coat: Lightly grease palms with butter to prevent sticking, then carefully shape the cooled mixture into small, uniform spheres. Gently roll each coconut ball in additional grated coconut to create a delicate, textured exterior.
5. Garnish and Present: Optionally, insert a whole clove into the center of each beijinho for an aromatic accent. Arrange the delicate treats in decorative paper cups, creating an elegant presentation for Brazilian celebrations or casual gatherings. Remind guests to remove cloves before enjoying.

Notes

• Monitor Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-low temperature to prevent burning and ensure smooth, creamy coconut mixture without scorching.
• Check Consistency Precisely: Look for thick texture where spatula leaves a temporary path, indicating perfect cooking stage for beijinhos.
• Butter Hands Before Shaping: Lightly grease palms with butter to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and create smooth, uniform coconut balls.
• Enhance Flavor Thoughtfully: Insert whole clove for traditional Brazilian touch, adding subtle aromatic complexity to the sweet treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 124
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg