Here’s another childhood favorite straight from my grandma’s kitchen—Beijinho de Coco, or Coconut Kisses. These little coconut brigadeiros were always a hit at family gatherings and celebrations, and every bite takes me right back to those cozy, love-filled moments. My grandma was famous for all of her brigadeiro recipes, but this one—simple, sweet, and packed with coconut goodness—was a true keeper. If you’re a fan of brigadeiro, be sure to check out my other posted recipes, like my sister in law’s Creme Brûlée Brigadeiro and my Grandma’s Traditional Chocolate Brigadeiro.
Coconut Kisses are the kind of treat you’ll want to make over and over again. The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy, so you can whip them up in no time! Whether you’re passing them down to your kids or sharing them with friends, this recipe will always hold a special place in your heart (and your recipe notebook).
So go ahead, save it, copy it, print it—this one’s a must-have for your kitchen!
Ingredients and Substitutions:
- Condensed Milk: Make sure to use good-quality condensed milk. This is the main ingredient in the recipe, and you can definitely taste the difference if you use a cheap brand. Trust me, quality matters!
- Egg Yolk: My grandma always added an egg yolk. While many modern recipes choose not to include it, I truly believe the egg yolk adds extra fat and richness that makes these Coconut kisses better than all the other one you ever had. If you’d prefer to skip it, that’s fine, your recipe will still work out, but I’d recommend keeping it for that extra velvety texture and taste.
- Shredded Coconut: You’ll need shredded coconut. I used sweetened shredded coconut, which I bought at Costco, but you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer. Either way, it’ll add that perfect coconut flavor!
- Butter: Use butter for the best taste. You can substitute it with margarine, but I personally think butter gives the coconut kisses the perfect richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Always use real vanilla extract for the best flavor. It really enhances the coconut’s sweetness and makes everything come together beautifully.
- Toppings: You can top your coconut kisses with whatever you like! The most traditional topping is to roll them in shredded coconut and place a single clove in the center. Personally, I’ve never quite understood the clove—why put something in the middle that you have to remove before eating? It’s just there to look cute. Feel free to skip it if you’d like!
Alternative Toppings:
- Sugar: If you choose sugar, I recommend using sanding sugar or another kind that has bigger granules. It looks prettier and adds a little extra texture. But, if you can’t find that, regular sugar also works!
- Jujubes: Here’s a fun twist! Instead of the clove, my grandma used to place tiny pieces of gummy bears or jujubes on top of the coconut kisses, coordinating with the party theme. For example:
- If it’s a Spider-Man party, you can use red jujubes to match.
- If you’re having a Funfetti birthday, use multiple colors to make them extra fun!
- You’ll only need 2 to 3 small pieces per coconut kiss, depending on the size. Definitely not more than 5 pieces for this recipe, unless you are making a double batch.
Why gummy bears/jujubes?
This was perfect for kids because they didn’t have to remove anything before eating—they could just grab the coconut kiss and enjoy it! No choking hazards, and it saved time. Thanks, Grandma, for making life a little easier!
Why the Egg Yolk? Adding the egg yolk helps make the coconut kisses soft, velvety, and with the right level of sweetness. Many people don’t include it anymore, but if you want that nostalgic, perfect texture, it’s worth keeping. Just make sure to discard the membrane of the egg yolk. (Read instructions below)
Instructions:
- This recipe is as easy as can be! The key is to constantly stir all the ingredients in the pan. When the mixture starts to thicken and you can drag a spoon through it its ready! To double check you can also tilt the pan—if it comes off the bottom easily, it’s for sure ready.
- How to remove the membrane from the egg yolk (if using): There are two methods you can use:
- Pinch and burst: Gently pinch the egg yolk with your thumb and index finger. The yolk will burst, and you’ll be left holding the membrane. Wait a couple of seconds until the yolk finishes dripping, then discard the membrane.
- Sieve method: Use a fine mesh sieve. Burst the yolk and let it patiently drip through. You can gently help it with a spoon or fork, but be careful not to keep stirring too much, or you’ll force the membrane through the sieve. You want the membrane to stay inside the sieve so it can be discarded.
Storage:
Store your Coconut Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
If you need to store them for longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week—just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve:
Coconut Kisses are perfect for any occasion, but they really shine at birthdays and parties. Their cute size and customizable toppings make them ideal for party tables or sweet party favors. My grandma would always make a huge batch for birthdays, and they were always the first treat to disappear!
Brigadeiros are tipically served using brigadeiro paper liners, which are similar to cupcake liners just smaller. See below for more info!
How to Find the Right Brigadeiro Liners
In Brazil, brigadeiro liners are everywhere—just as common as rice and beans! But if you’re outside of Brazil, tracking them down can be a bit trickier. Let me save you some trial and error: mini cupcake liners won’t work! They’re too big, making your brigadeiros look out of place.
Here’s what to do instead:
- What to Search For: Look for truffle cups, truffle liners, super mini cupcake liners, brigadeiro cups, or brigadeiro liners on Etsy, Amazon, or Brazilian online grocery stores.
- Check Reviews Carefully: Some listings might have low-star reviews from people complaining that the liners are “too small for cupcakes.” That’s actually a good sign! Those are the perfect size for brigadeiros—just be sure there aren’t real issues like poor quality or slow shipping.
- For Special Occasions: If you’re hosting a fancy event (like a wedding), Etsy offers beautiful, intricate liners. But fair warning—they can be pricey. Unless you’re going for an ultra-glam look, simple liners work just as well and are much more budget-friendly.
Coconut Kisses (Beijinho de Coco)
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing bowl or plate to cool the mixture before rolling.
- fine mesh sieve if using egg yolk) – For removing the membrane.
- Small paper liners optional, see notes
Ingredients
- 80 g sweetened shredded coconut (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 egg yolk see notes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 300ml/395g(14 oz if you are in the US)
To Decorate
- 20 cloves for decorating or jujubes (see notes) optional
- butter to grease your hands
- shredded coconut or granulated sugar see notes
Instructions
- In a small pan, add the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Heat on low, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula until the butter has melted.
- Continue to stir for about 20 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent burning. The mixture should thicken to a point where it easily pulls away from the pan.
- To check for the right consistency, tilt the pan slightly—when the mixture separates from the pan, it’s ready.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish and let it cool completely at room temperature before rolling.
- Once cooled, separate 20 candy cup liners. Place some shredded coconut in a shallow dish
- To shape the beijinhos, lightly grease your hands with butter and roll a portion of the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the ball in the shredded coconut, covering it completely, then place it in a candy cup and decorate with a clove.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture until done. Add more shredded coconut to the dish and more butter to your hands as needed.
- Keep the brigadeiros at room temperature until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine growing up. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a special celebration, or just want a little something sweet, these Coconut Kisses will be a hit! Enjoy! 😊Don’t forget to follow us on social media, and if you do make this recipe please leave a rating and a comment! You will make my day, and I always reply 🙂
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