Brownie Petit Fours

If you’re looking for a dessert that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen, these Brownie Petit Fours are just the ticket! They’re small, elegant bites of chocolatey goodness that make every occasion feel special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a fancy dinner, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these little delights will surely bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility—these petit fours are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they can easily be made ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the moments that matter most!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: These brownie petit fours are rich and fudgy, making them a chocolate lover’s dream.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for sharing: Their small size makes them ideal for parties or as a delightful treat to share with family and friends.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake these in advance and store them; they stay delicious for days!
• Elegant presentation: The glossy ganache and sprinkle of fleur de sel elevate these brownies to a truly sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for these Brownie Petit Fours—just some simple, wholesome staples. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

• 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
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
• ¾ cup (6 ounces) heavy whipping cream
• Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

Variations

One of the best things about these Brownie Petit Fours is how flexible the recipe is! You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different toppings: Instead of fleur de sel, experiment with crushed peppermint candies or toasted coconut on top.
• Enhance with flavors: Add a splash of espresso or coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your brownies come out perfectly without sticking!

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir continuously until smooth. This melting process is crucial because it creates that luscious base for our brownie batter.

Step 3: Mix in Sugars and Eggs

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in granulated sugar and light brown sugar until well combined. Then add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Finally, mix in vanilla extract. This step not only adds sweetness but also helps create those wonderful fudgy textures we love.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until fully combined. Be gentle here; we want to keep as much air as possible for fluffy brownies!

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—this tells you they’re perfectly fudgy!

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a cutting board. Once cooled, cut them into small squares or rectangles; these will be your petit fours!

Step 7: Make the Ganache

To create that gorgeous ganache, heat heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers gently. Remove from heat and pour it over your chopped semisweet chocolate. Let it sit for about 2–3 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. This ganache is what makes our petit fours shine!

Step 8: Coat Each Petit Four

Now comes the fun part! Pour the ganache over each petit four, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let any excess drip off before letting them sit for a few minutes so that the ganache can set slightly.

Step 9: Finish with Fleur de Sel

Finally, lightly sprinkle fleur de sel over each petit four—the touch of salt enhances all that chocolatey goodness beautifully! Allow everything to set completely before serving.

And there you have it—deliciously rich Brownie Petit Fours ready to delight everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Petit Fours

Creating the perfect Brownie Petit Fours is all about attention to detail—follow these tips to elevate your baking game!

• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for both the brownie base and the ganache. This makes a significant difference in flavor and texture, ensuring a rich, indulgent experience.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. The key to fudginess is to remove them from the oven just when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—not clean. This prevents them from becoming too dry.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your brownies to cool completely before cutting is essential. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from crumbling when you slice them into petit fours.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavor extracts like almond or mint to the batter for an extra twist. Just a teaspoon can create a delightful surprise that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife when slicing your brownies into petit fours. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for perfectly neat edges.

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

When it comes to serving Brownie Petit Fours, presentation is key! Here are some delightful ideas to impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side add a pop of color and acidity that balances the richness of the brownies.
• Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint can enhance both presentation and flavor, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate flavors in the petit fours, adding a deliciously cold element.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
• Coffee or Espresso: Serving these petit fours alongside a cup of coffee or espresso brings out their chocolatey notes while providing a delightful way to end any meal.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a luscious, creamy touch that complements the brownies without overwhelming their flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brownie Petit Fours are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every decadent bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Petit Fours are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep. You can whip them up in advance for a party or special occasion, ensuring you have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If the weather is particularly warm, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cut petit fours in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• If you prefer them slightly warmed, you can reheat the frozen petit fours in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a more even warming, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delicious Brownie Petit Fours!

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the Brownie Petit Fours?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that this will make the brownies slightly less sweet.

How do I ensure my Brownie Petit Fours turn out fudgy?

To achieve that fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake the brownies. They should be baked just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these Brownie Petit Fours ahead of time?

Absolutely! These petit fours are great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storing tips mentioned above!

What can I sprinkle on top of my Brownie Petit Fours besides fleur de sel?

If you want to switch it up, consider using crushed nuts or edible flowers for decoration instead of fleur de sel.

How long do these Brownie Petit Fours last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they can last for about 3 days. If frozen, they will stay fresh for up to 2 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these elegant Brownie Petit Fours! They not only taste divine but also elevate any gathering with their delightful presentation. Whether it’s a special celebration or just treating yourself, these mini brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy baking them and share your experience; I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!