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Tasty Pistachio Milk Balls

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Pistachio Milk Balls are an easy, delightful sweet needing only a few ingredients with no baking required. Mix heated condensed milk, butter, and salt until butter softens, then fold in pistachio cream until it gets thick like candy. Cool the mix for 1-2 hours before shaping it into small balls and rolling them in finely chopped pistachios. These treats have a soft middle and crunchy outside, packed with nutty flavor. They're perfect for gatherings or enjoying with your afternoon coffee or tea. You can double the recipe easily and get about 10-14 balls each time.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:44:15 GMT
A plate of green balls with seeds on it. Pin it
A plate of green balls with seeds on it. | pinchofyummy.com

Take a bite of Brazil's favorite sweet treat with our fancy pistachio spin. These soft brigadeiros mix up sweetened condensed milk with nutty pistachio cream and butter for a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth feel. We've wrapped each little candy ball in crunchy pistachio bits, giving you that perfect mix of smooth inside and crispy outside.

Everyone loves classic chocolate brigadeiros from Brazil, but our pistachio version kicks things up a notch. There's something extra special about it. The natural sweetness in pistachios works so well with the rich, milky base.

Key Components

  • Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Makes the sticky, fudgy foundation and brings the sweetness. Go for full-fat for the richest taste and texture.
  • Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives that velvety smoothness and just the right feel. Try fancy European butter if you can get it.
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out the nutty flavor and cuts the sweetness. Fine sea salt works best here.
  • Pistachio Cream (3 tablespoons): Delivers that deep nutty taste. Look for pure stuff without extra additives.
  • Chopped Pistachios (1 cup): Creates a pretty outer layer with a nice crunch. Use unsalted ones, chopped up small.

Cooking Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Get all your stuff measured out and set up your work area. Put parchment on a baking sheet for your finished candies. Keep everything within reach since you'll need to stir non-stop.
Mix Your Base:
Put the condensed milk, butter and salt in a thick-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon, making sure to scrape everything off the sides and bottom.
Melt In The Butter:
Keep stirring until all the butter melts into the condensed milk, around 3-4 minutes. It'll get runny at first before it starts thickening up.
Mix In Pistachio:
Stir in the pistachio cream really well until it's all mixed in. Your mixture will turn a light green color.
Cook Till Thick:
Keep the heat medium-low and stir non-stop for 8-10 minutes until it gets really thick. You'll know it's ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan as you stir.
Test If It's Done:
Drop a tiny bit on a cold plate - if you can touch it without it sticking after it cools for a bit, you're good to go.
Let It Chill:
Pour it into a buttered dish and cover it with plastic wrap right on the surface. Stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or leave it overnight.
Roll Into Balls:
Butter your hands and roll tablespoon-sized scoops into neat little balls.
Add Coating:
Roll each ball in your chopped pistachios, pressing slightly so they stick. Pop them in paper candy cups if you want.
A plate with four chocolate cupcakes with green toppings. Pin it
A plate with four chocolate cupcakes with green toppings. | pinchofyummy.com

Historical Context

Born in Brazil during the 1940s and named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, these treats started as chocolate goodies. Our pistachio twist shows how this beloved candy has grown while keeping its soul intact - proving you can teach an old recipe new tricks without losing what makes it special.

Pairing Ideas

These fancy pistachio treats really shine at dinner parties and special events. Their grown-up flavor and pretty green look really stand out on a dessert table. Serve them slightly cool with coffee or tea for the perfect sweet ending to a meal.

Keeping Fresh

Keep your brigadeiros in a sealed container in the fridge. Take them out about 15 minutes before you want to eat them so they warm up a bit. The flavors actually get better after a day, so they're perfect to make ahead of time.

A plate of green balls is on a table. Pin it
A plate of green balls is on a table. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's pistachio cream, and where can I get it?
Pistachio cream is ground-up pistachios made into a smooth paste, like peanut butter. You'll find it online, at fancy food stores, or you can make your own by blending roasted pistachios with a splash of oil.
→ Are there substitutions for the pistachio cream?
You can use pistachio butter instead or try other nut spreads like almond or hazelnut. Just remember you'll get different flavors with each choice.
→ How long do these treats stay fresh?
Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, stick them in the freezer for up to three months.
→ Can I mix in other flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! Add a bit of vanilla or almond extract for more kick, or try some rose water. White chocolate bits or dried fruit chunks work great too.
→ What if the mixture is too sticky to form balls?
You might need to chill it longer. If it's still too wet after cooling, mix in some crushed pistachios or a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Sweet Pistachio Milk Balls

These Pistachio Milk Balls blend smooth pistachio cream with sweet condensed milk, wrapped in crushed nuts for a mouthwatering no-bake treat.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean twist

Yield: 1 Servings (10-14 treats)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fudge Core

01 1 tin sweetened condensed milk (397g)
02 20g unsalted butter
03 Tiny sprinkle (1/4 teaspoon) of salt
04 100g pistachio cream

→ Outer Layer

05 100g pistachios, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the condensed milk, butter and salt in a mid-sized pot. Heat them over medium flame, constantly mixing until butter completely blends into the mixture.

Step 02

Add the pistachio cream to your warm mixture and keep stirring until everything's totally combined.

Step 03

Maintain medium heat for the mixture. Don't stop stirring or it'll burn. Continue until it gets really thick and looks fudgy.

Step 04

Transfer your hot fudge mix to a container. Stick it in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours until it's solid enough to handle easily.

Step 05

Scoop tablespoon amounts of the cold mixture. Roll between your hands to make balls. If it's sticky, put a tiny bit of oil on your palms. Then roll each ball in the chopped pistachios until fully covered.

Notes

  1. Want more? Just make twice as much.
  2. Keep these treats in the fridge and eat them within a week.
  3. Can't find pistachio cream? Blend some roasted pistachios until smooth to make your own version.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mid-sized cooking pot
  • Strong wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
  • Refrigerator-safe container
  • Tablespoon for measuring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk products (condensed milk and butter)
  • Has nuts in it (pistachios)