Brazilian Cream Cookies are one of those timeless recipes that instantly bring comfort and nostalgia. During my family’s summer stay in Brazil, my mom and I have been spending our afternoons recreating the treats I grew up eating—recipes that bring back childhood memories with every bite.
One of my absolute favorites is Brazilian Cream Cookies, known in Brazil as Rosquinha de Creme de Leite. These lightly sweet, buttery cookies are incredibly simple to make and pair perfectly with an afternoon cup of coffee. They’re also wonderful tucked inside a school lunch box, making them a homemade snack that kids genuinely look forward to.
Now that I have children of my own, this recipe has become even more special. Instead of simply baking together, we turn it into a fun family activity. My boys love rolling the dough and creating funny shapes before the cookies go into the oven. It’s one of those little traditions that reminds me why homemade recipes are about much more than food—they’re about creating memories.
If you’re looking for an easy Brazilian recipe that’s beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults, these Brazilian Cream Cookies deserve a spot in your recipe collection.
What Are Brazilian Cream Cookies?
Brazilian Cream Cookies are a classic homemade treat found throughout Brazil. Unlike heavily frosted cookies or overly sweet desserts, these cookies are known for their delicate flavor, soft crumb, and lightly crisp exterior.
The name comes from one of the main ingredients: creme de leite, which is Brazilian table cream. This ingredient gives the dough a rich texture while keeping the cookies wonderfully tender.
You’ll often find these cookies served during:
- Afternoon coffee (café da tarde)
- Family gatherings
- Weekend visits to grandparents
- School snacks
- Holiday baking
Their simplicity is exactly what makes them so beloved. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create cookies that taste like they came straight from a Brazilian bakery.
Brazilian Table Cream vs. American Sour Cream
One important detail before we start:
Although some online translations refer to this recipe as “Sour Cream Cookies,” that’s actually incorrect.
Brazilian recipes use creme de leite, which is known in English as Brazilian table cream or simply table cream. It is rich, smooth, and neutral in flavor.
American sour cream is fermented, tangy, and much thicker, which would completely change both the taste and texture of this recipe.
If you live in the United States, look for shelf-stable Nestlé Media Crema, table cream, or another Brazilian-style cream in the international foods section of your grocery store.
Why You’ll Love These Brazilian Cream Cookies
These cookies have remained popular for generations for good reason.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Beginner-friendly
- Ready in about an hour
- Soft on the inside with lightly crisp edges
- Perfect with coffee or tea
- A delicious homemade lunch box snack
- Great for baking with children
- Easy to freeze
- A wonderful introduction to Brazilian baking
Whether you’re discovering Brazilian cuisine for the first time or looking for a nostalgic recipe from your childhood, these cookies are always a great choice.
Ingredients for Brazilian Cream Cookies
For the dough
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 7 oz (200 g) Brazilian table cream (creme de leite)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
For coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
How to Make Brazilian Cream Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the butter, egg, and Brazilian table cream.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently combine everything until a soft dough begins to form.
The dough should feel smooth and slightly soft but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour—just one tablespoon at a time.
Avoid adding too much flour, as that can make the cookies dry.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 15 to 20 minutes.
This short resting period makes the dough easier to roll and shape.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Here’s where the fun begins.
Take small portions of dough and roll them into ropes about 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Join the ends together to create the traditional ring shape.
If you’re baking with kids, this is the perfect moment to get everyone involved.
Instead of making only classic rings, children can create all kinds of fun designs.
Some favorites include:
- Hearts
- Twists
- Braids
- Pretzels
- Small letters
- Spirals
My boys always enjoy seeing whose cookies turn out the funniest, and honestly, those imperfect homemade shapes often become everyone’s favorites.
Step 4: Coat the Cookies
Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Roll each cookie lightly in the mixture before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can simply sprinkle the mixture on top instead.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Avoid overbaking.
These cookies should remain soft inside while developing only a light golden color around the edges.
They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
Tips for the Best Brazilian Cream Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but a few small details make all the difference.
Don’t overwork the dough
Mix only until everything comes together.
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tougher than intended.
Don’t add too much flour
The dough should remain soft.
If it feels only slightly sticky, that’s perfectly normal.
Too much flour creates dry, crumbly cookies.
Watch the baking time
Unlike many American cookies, these aren’t meant to become deeply golden brown.
Take them out once the bottoms have lightly colored.
A Perfect Recipe to Bake with Kids
One of my favorite parts about making these cookies today is seeing my own children enjoy the same recipe I loved growing up.
There’s something special about slowing down for an afternoon, putting flour on the counter, and letting kids be creative.
Instead of worrying about making every cookie identical, encourage them to experiment with shapes and designs. Some cookies may be tiny, others oversized, and a few might look completely unrecognizable—but that’s exactly what makes homemade baking memorable.
Baking together also teaches simple kitchen skills like measuring ingredients, following directions, and being patient while waiting for the cookies to come out of the oven.
It’s one of those activities that doesn’t require screens or expensive supplies—just a few ingredients and some quality family time.
Why These Brazilian Cream Cookies Are Perfect for School Lunch Boxes
As a mom, I’m always looking for snacks that are homemade, easy to pack, and that my kids will actually eat. These Brazilian Cream Cookies check every box.
Unlike frosted cookies or crumbly pastries, they’re sturdy enough to travel well in a lunch box without falling apart. They’re lightly sweet, satisfying, and pair beautifully with fruit, yogurt, or a small container of cheese.
Another reason I love making them for school is that they stay fresh for several days when stored properly, which means I can bake one batch on the weekend and have homemade snacks ready throughout the week.
Because they’re not overly sugary, they’re a great alternative to many packaged snacks. They still feel like a treat—but one that’s made with simple, familiar ingredients.
If you’re planning school lunches, these cookies can easily become part of your weekly meal prep routine.
Make Lunch Boxes Even More Special
One of my favorite ways to make lunchtime a little more exciting is by adding small surprises inside my kids’ lunch boxes.
Alongside homemade treats like these Brazilian Cream Cookies, I love slipping in a printable lunch note with a short message of encouragement. Sometimes it’s something funny, sometimes it’s just a reminder that I’m thinking about them during the school day.
f you’d like to add a little extra joy to your child’s school day, take a look at my Printable Lunch Box Notes for Kids. They’re filled with encouraging, fun messages that are easy to print and tuck into any lunch box.
And if you’re packing treats for the first week of school, class parties, or special celebrations, my Back-to-School Printable Bundle includes editable treat bag toppers, water bottle wraps, and matching stickers to make homemade snacks feel even more festive.
Sometimes it’s the smallest details—a homemade cookie, a kind note, or a decorated treat bag—that become the memories kids remember most.
Looking for More Back-to-School Ideas?
Packing lunches is just one small part of getting ready for a new school year.
If you’re organizing school routines, preparing supplies, or looking for printable resources that make life easier, don’t miss my guide:
The Best Back-to-School Printables Every Parent Should Have
Inside, you’ll find practical printables that help simplify busy school mornings while making back-to-school season a little more fun for both parents and kids.
Storage Tips for Brazilian Cream Cookies
One of the best things about these cookies is how well they keep.
At Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To help maintain their texture, keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully.
Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Can You Freeze the Dough?
Yes!
Shape the cookies first, place them on a baking tray until frozen, then transfer them to freezer bags.
Bake directly from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Easy Variations in Brazilian Cream Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the traditional recipe, it’s fun to experiment with different flavors.
Here are a few family favorites:
Cinnamon Sugar
The classic version—and still my favorite.
Vanilla
Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra aroma.
Lemon Zest
Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
Orange Zest
A delicious twist that’s especially popular during the holidays.
Coconut
Mix a few tablespoons of shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brazilian table cream?
Brazilian table cream (creme de leite) is a rich, neutral-flavored cream commonly used in Brazilian cooking and baking. It is different from American sour cream, which is fermented and tangier.
Can I use sour cream instead?
No. Sour cream will significantly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Look for Brazilian table cream, Nestlé Media Crema, or another table cream product instead.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely.
They’re perfect for weekend baking because they’ll stay fresh for several days.
You can also freeze either the baked cookies or the unbaked dough.
Are Brazilian Cream Cookies good for lunch boxes?
Yes.
They’re sturdy, not overly messy, and easy for kids to eat at school.
They’re one of my favorite homemade lunch box snacks.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely.
Rolling the dough and creating fun shapes is one of the easiest baking activities for children.
My own kids love making hearts, twists, and funny little animals.
Why did my cookies turn out dry?
The most common reason is adding too much flour or baking them too long.
The dough should remain soft, and the cookies only need a light golden color before they’re done.
Can I make them without cinnamon?
Of course.
The cookies are delicious with or without the cinnamon sugar coating.
How should I serve Brazilian Cream Cookies?
They’re wonderful with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Milk
- Fresh fruit
They’re equally perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or school snacks.
Final Thoughts
Every family has recipes that instantly bring back memories, and these Brazilian Cream Cookies are one of those recipes for me.
Spending part of this summer in Brazil has given me the chance to slow down and revisit the foods I grew up with. Standing in my mom’s kitchen, rolling cookie dough together, and now watching my own children create their own funny cookie shapes reminds me how meaningful these simple traditions really are.
Food has an incredible way of connecting generations.
The recipes our parents made for us often become the recipes we pass on to our own children, creating new memories while keeping old traditions alive.
I hope these Brazilian Cream Cookies become one of those recipes in your family too.
Whether you bake them for an afternoon coffee break, pack them into a school lunch box, or make them as a weekend activity with your kids, I’m sure they’ll bring plenty of smiles to your table.
Happy baking!
More Brazilian Recipes You’ll Love
If your family enjoyed these homemade Brazilian Cream Cookies, there’s another classic Brazilian snack you won’t want to miss.
👉 Brazilian Baked Tapioca Starch Cookies (Biscoito de Polvilho) are light, crispy, naturally gluten-free, and another favorite for school lunch boxes or afternoon coffee.
They’re just as nostalgic, just as easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
