Brownie Petit Fours

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Brownie Petit Fours are a cherished recipe of mine, perfect for celebrations or just a cozy family dessert. With their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation, they transform simple brownies into something truly special. Whether it’s a birthday party, an afternoon tea, or just a sweet surprise for your loved ones, these mini brownies are sure to bring smiles!

What makes this recipe shine is not only its taste but also how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need fancy equipment or skills; just follow along, and soon you’ll have a refined dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: Each bite is packed with rich chocolate goodness that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Easy to make: Simple steps guide you through the process—perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Impressive presentation: These petit fours look stunning on any dessert table, making them ideal for gatherings.
• Make-ahead option: Bake them in advance and simply drizzle with ganache before serving.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these cute little delights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you likely already have on hand. Each ingredient adds to the rich texture and flavor of these Brownie Petit Fours.

For the Brownies

• 4 ounces (about ¾ cup) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup (12 tbsp or 165g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Ganache

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
• ¾ cup (6 ounces) heavy whipping cream

To Finish

• Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

Variations

One of the best things about this Brownie Petit Fours recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these delicious bites.

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the ganache if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Flavor it up: Add a splash of almond extract or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more.
• Top with fruit: Decorate the finished petit fours with fresh berries for a fruity twist.

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal later. This step is important because it prevents sticking and gives your brownies nice edges.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt together the semisweet chocolate and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth. Melting these two ingredients together creates a luscious base for your brownies that adds depth to their fudgy texture.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Eggs

Remove from heat and stir in both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter, making sure your brownies rise beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until fully combined. Be gentle here! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of soft ones.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them—it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake!

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them onto a cutting board. Cut into small squares or rectangles—this creates those adorable petit fours!

Step 7: Make the Ganache

For the ganache, heat heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Pour this hot cream over chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before stirring until smooth. The ganache adds that luxurious touch that makes these brownies feel extra special.

Step 8: Coat Each Petit Four

Pour ganache over each brownie piece carefully so they are evenly coated. Let any excess drip off; this adds to their charming look! Allow ganache to set slightly before continuing.

Step 9: Finish Off

Sprinkle fleur de sel lightly over each petit four for that perfect salty-sweet balance. It’s such an easy final touch that elevates these treats even more!

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful Brownie Petit Fours! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Petit Fours

Making these Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies will only be as good as the chocolate you use. Opt for semisweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, while a gentle fold keeps them fudgy and moist.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing your brownies to cool entirely in the pan ensures they hold their shape when you cut them into petit fours. Warm brownies are more likely to crumble.
• Chill the ganache before pouring: Letting the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the brownies helps it set better, creating a smooth and glossy finish.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add extracts like almond or orange zest to your brownie batter for a unique twist that elevates the flavor profile of your petit fours.

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Presenting your Brownie Petit Fours beautifully can make them even more special! Here are some ideas on how to serve them elegantly at your next gathering or celebration.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries on top of each petit four adds a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that complements the rich chocolate.
• Mint leaves: A small sprig of mint placed next to or on top of each petit four offers a lovely contrast in flavor and makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors, adding a cool and creamy texture that everyone loves.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the brownies. The natural sweetness and acidity will enhance your dessert experience.
• Espresso or coffee: Serving these petit fours alongside a cup of espresso or freshly brewed coffee highlights their decadent nature, making for an indulgent treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests with these delectable Brownie Petit Fours!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Petit Fours are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time for any special occasion or simply to indulge during the week. They store beautifully and can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal treat for gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the ganache to set completely before storing.
• Place the petit fours in an airtight container in a single layer.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into petit fours but do not top with ganache.
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add ganache.

Reheating

• These petit fours are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If desired, you can gently warm them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they do not overheat and lose their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the brownie base?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your Brownie Petit Fours a richer flavor. Just be mindful that it may alter the sweetness slightly, so you might want to adjust the sugar if needed.

How do I make my Brownie Petit Fours more festive?

To make your Brownie Petit Fours extra special, consider adding toppings like colorful sprinkles or edible glitter after applying the ganache. You can also drizzle white chocolate over them for added flair!

Can I prepare Brownie Petit Fours in advance?

Yes! These petit fours can be made ahead of time. Follow the storage instructions provided above to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for your event.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! The rich flavors and elegant presentation of these Brownie Petit Fours make them truly special for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!