Brigadeiro is one of Brazil’s most beloved sweets, a simple brazilian chocolate candy made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles.

It was created in the 1940s during a presidential campaign for candidate Eduardo Gomes, who was nicknamed Brigadeiro (meaning “brigadier” in brazilian portuguese).

A group of women supporting him later known as the "Brigadeiro ladies" made and sold these candies at political events to raise funds, because sugar and milk were scarce after W W II, they used condensed milk and cocoa instead, creating something entirely new.

Gomes didn’t win the election, but his candy did. The brigadeiro quickly became a national favorite and a symbol of celebration.

Today, it’s a must at every brazilian birthday party, served in colorful paper cups beside cakes and snacks. Making them is almost a family ritual: cook the mixture until thick, roll it into small balls, and coat them with sprinkles.