Beijinho Recipe

Classic Beijinho Recipe with Coconut Sweetness in Every Bite

Sweet beijinho transports Brazilian celebrations into delightful moments of pure confectionery magic.

These bite-sized coconut delicacies represent more than just a simple dessert—they embody festive traditions and cultural warmth.

Condensed milk crafts ordinary ingredients into creamy, irresistible treats that dance between smooth and rich textures.

Soft and delicate, beijinhos capture the essence of Brazilian culinary creativity with their elegant simplicity.

Each small coconut ball carries a story of family gatherings, birthday parties, and shared happiness.

Coconut-rolled perfection emerges from careful preparation and genuine passion for traditional sweets.

You’ll fall in love with these charming little confections that connect generations through delectable memories.

Smart Tips for the Right Texture and Look

  • Stir Constantly: Prevent burning by stirring the mixture continuously during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and smooth texture.
  • Test Thickness Precisely: Use the spatula technique to check consistency, looking for a clear trail that slowly closes back together, indicating perfect doneness.
  • Butter Hands Generously: Grease your hands thoroughly with butter to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and make rolling smoother.
  • Cool Completely: Allow beijinho mixture to cool entirely before shaping to achieve the best ball formation and prevent falling apart.
  • Consistent Size Matters: Use a tablespoon measure to create uniform beijinho balls, ensuring even cooking and attractive presentation.

Storage Ideas for Keeping Beijinho Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store beijinhos in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual beijinhos in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Reheat: Let refrigerated beijinhos sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and restore their creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to maintain their delicate consistency.

What Goes Well with These Coconut Delights

  • Pair with Brazilian Boldness: Serve beijinhos alongside a strong, smooth Brazilian coffee to complement the sweet coconut flavor and provide a rich contrast.
  • Create a Festive Dessert Plate: Arrange beijinhos with other Brazilian treats like brigadeiros and combine with a chilled cachaça cocktail for an authentic Brazilian dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Tropical Beverage: Match these coconut truffles with a light, fruity passion fruit caipirinha that highlights the tropical notes and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Perfect Party Presentation: Display beijinhos on an elegant platter with fresh mint leaves and serve with a sparkling white wine or prosecco to add sophistication to your gathering.

Creative Flavors That Match the Traditional Base

  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace traditional grated coconut with a blend of finely chopped mango, passion fruit, and pineapple for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Coconut Crunch: Mix cocoa powder into the condensed milk base and roll finished beijinhos in chocolate sprinkles or crushed toasted almonds for added texture.
  • Spiced Coconut Elegance: Infuse the mixture with ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of vanilla extract to create a warm, aromatic Brazilian treat with sophisticated undertones.
  • Mini Coconut Cheesecake Bites: Incorporate cream cheese into the condensed milk mixture and top each beijinho with a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs for a unique dessert experience.

A Bite-Sized Taste of Brazil: Beijinho

  • Quick and Easy Treat: Beijinho offers a delightful Brazilian dessert that requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress friends and family.
  • Texture Sensation: These coconut truffles deliver a creamy, smooth interior with a delicate, powdery coconut exterior, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that satisfies sweet cravings instantly.
  • Cultural Celebration Delight: Beijinho represents a traditional Brazilian party favorite, ideal for birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings where you want to introduce a unique and authentic dessert that sparks conversation and culinary curiosity.
  • Customizable Confection: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting coconut quantities, experimenting with different coatings, or presenting them in decorative paper cups, making it a versatile treat for various occasions and personal preferences.

Ingredients for These Sweet Coconut Balls

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Rich, creamy base that provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Unsweetened Grated Coconut: Adds texture, authentic coconut flavor, and creates the signature Brazilian brigadeiro coating.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds a smooth, rich consistency to the mixture.
  • Grated Coconut (for Rolling): Creates a traditional white, textured exterior for the Brazilian candy.
Garnish:
  • Whole Cloves: Classic decorative touch that adds a subtle aromatic element and traditional presentation to the Beijinho.

Rolling and Coating Instructions You’ll Love

Step 1: Create Creamy Coconut Base

Combine sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 10-20 minutes. Watch for mixture thickening and forming a soft trail when spatula passes through.

Step 2: Cool Coconut Mixture

Transfer hot mixture to a generously buttered plate. Spread into a thin layer and cover with plastic wrap. Allow mixture to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Coconut Balls

Grease hands with butter to prevent sticking. Roll small portions of cooled mixture into smooth, round balls approximately the size of cherries. This recipe typically produces 20-25 coconut treats.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Gently roll each coconut ball in additional grated coconut. Insert a single clove into the center of each ball for extra flavor and decoration.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place beijinhos in small paper cups for elegant presentation. Remind guests to remove cloves before eating. Store in refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.

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Beijinho Recipe

Beijinho Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Brazilian beijinho delights with creamy coconut charm, blending sweetness and tradition in one perfect bite. Silky condensed milk and fresh coconut create a dreamy treat you can easily craft at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ⅓ cups (100 grams) unsweetened grated coconut
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garnish and Decoration:

  • Grated coconut (for rolling)
  • Whole cloves (for decorating)

Greasing:

  • Unsalted butter (for greasing plate and hands)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a medium saucepan and combine sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and butter over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  2. Cook the mixture for approximately 15-20 minutes, watching for a thickening consistency that allows a spatula to create a temporary path when drawn through the center.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked mixture onto a generously buttered plate, spreading it evenly to facilitate rapid cooling.
  4. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which helps solidify the texture.
  5. Once cooled, lightly grease your palms with butter to prevent sticking while shaping the mixture into small, uniform spheres resembling cherries.
  6. Gently roll each coconut ball in additional grated coconut, creating a delicate, textured exterior.
  7. Optionally, insert a single whole clove into the center of each beijinho for an aromatic touch and decorative element.
  8. Arrange the prepared beijinhos in delicate paper cups for an elegant presentation, and advise guests to remove the cloves before consuming.
  9. Serve at room temperature as a traditional Brazilian sweet treat perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings.

Notes

  • Coconut lovers will adore this traditional Brazilian sweet treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Cooling the mixture completely ensures perfect texture for rolling into delicate spheres.
  • Buttering your hands prevents sticking and helps create smooth, uniform coconut truffles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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