Beijinho de Coco: The Irresistible Brazilian Coconut Kiss – Easy Recipe!

Beijinho de Coco, meaning “little coconut kiss” in Portuguese, is a classic Brazilian sweet treat that’s incredibly easy to make and utterly addictive. Similar to brigadeiro, but made with coconut instead of chocolate, beijinho is a staple at Brazilian parties and celebrations. Its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful coconut flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps of creating these delightful coconut candies in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience a little piece of Brazilian sweetness!

What is Beijinho de Coco?

Beijinho de Coco is a traditional Brazilian candy made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut. It’s cooked on the stovetop until it thickens, then rolled into small balls and coated in more shredded coconut. A single clove is often used to decorate the top of each beijinho, adding a subtle spicy aroma and visual appeal. While brigadeiro is known as the chocolate version of this dessert, beijinho offers a lighter, sweeter, and decidedly coconutty alternative. It’s a perfect treat for coconut lovers and those looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Beijinho de Coco Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
• Quick to prepare: From start to finish, you can have a batch of beijinhos ready in under an hour.
• Deliciously addictive: The creamy texture and sweet coconut flavor are simply irresistible.
• Perfect for parties: Beijinhos are a delightful and elegant addition to any party spread.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding flavor extracts or using different types of coconut.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the base of the recipe and provides the sweetness and creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
• 1 cup shredded coconut, plus more for coating: Use unsweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor balance. You’ll need some for the mixture and plenty for coating the finished beijinhos.
• Whole cloves (optional, for decoration): These add a traditional touch and a subtle spicy aroma.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan: For cooking the beijinho mixture.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the mixture.
• Small bowl: For holding the shredded coconut for coating.
• Baking sheet or plate: For placing the finished beijinhos.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat (optional): To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Small spoon or melon baller (optional): For scooping uniform portions of the mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Beijinho de Coco

Follow these simple steps to create perfect beijinhos every time:

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and 1 cup of shredded coconut. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning. Continue cooking, stirring continuously, for about 8-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when you drag the spoon through it, leaving a visible trail at the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered plate or a plate lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the plate in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes, but be careful not to let the mixture get too hard.

Step 4: Shape the Beijinhos

Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, prepare a small bowl filled with shredded coconut for coating. Using your hands (lightly buttered or oiled to prevent sticking) or a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Coat the Beijinhos

Roll each ball in the shredded coconut, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently press the coconut onto the surface of the ball to help it adhere.

Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

If desired, insert a whole clove into the top of each beijinho for decoration. This adds a traditional touch and a subtle spicy aroma.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Place the finished beijinhos on a serving plate. They are best served at room temperature. Enjoy these delicious little coconut kisses!

Tips for Perfect Beijinhos

• Use unsweetened shredded coconut: This helps balance the sweetness of the condensed milk and prevents the beijinhos from being overly sweet.
• Stir constantly while cooking: This is crucial to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and burning.
• Don’t overcook the mixture: Overcooking will result in dry and crumbly beijinhos. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape but still be soft and creamy.
• Cool the mixture completely: This makes it easier to handle and shape into balls.
• Lightly butter or oil your hands: This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands when rolling the balls.
• Store properly: Store the beijinhos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations and Adaptations

While the classic beijinho de coco is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences:

• Add flavor extracts: Experiment with adding a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or coconut extract to the mixture for an extra boost of flavor.
• Use different types of coconut: Try using flaked coconut or toasted coconut for a different texture and flavor.
• Add a touch of lime or lemon zest: This adds a refreshing citrusy note to the beijinhos.
• Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon of rum or coconut liqueur to the mixture for an adult twist.
• Chocolate Beijinhos: For a chocolate coconut combination, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture along with the coconut.

Serving Suggestions

Beijinhos are perfect for:

• Parties and celebrations: They are a classic Brazilian party treat.
• Dessert tables: Add them to your dessert spread for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Gifts: Package them in a pretty box or jar for a homemade gift.
• After-dinner treat: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
• A simple sweet craving: Sometimes you just need a little something sweet!

Beijinho de Coco Recipe

Yields:

Approximately 20-25 beijinhos

Prep time:

15 minutes

Cook time:

10 minutes

Cooling time:

1-2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded coconut, plus more for coating
• Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and 1 cup of shredded coconut.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.
3. Continue cooking, stirring continuously, for about 8-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered plate or a plate lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
5. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, prepare a small bowl filled with shredded coconut for coating.
6. Using your hands (lightly buttered or oiled to prevent sticking) or a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
7. Roll each ball in the shredded coconut, ensuring it’s fully coated.
8. If desired, insert a whole clove into the top of each beijinho for decoration.
9. Place the finished beijinhos on a serving plate. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (approximate, per beijinho)

Calories: Approximately 50-60

Fat: 2-3 grams

Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams

Protein: Less than 1 gram

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Enjoy Your Homemade Beijinho de Coco!

This Beijinho de Coco recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Brazil into your home. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible coconut kisses in no time. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a simple sweet treat, beijinhos are sure to delight everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, put on some Brazilian music, and get ready to experience the joy of making and sharing these delicious little coconut treats. Bom apetite!