Brownie Petit Fours

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance with rich, chocolatey goodness, then these Brownie Petit Fours are just what you need! They’re not just any brownies; they’re little bites of heaven that can elevate any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights in. The smooth ganache topping and sprinkle of fleur de sel make these mini treats a delightful surprise, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself after a long day.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet the result feels so special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just want to treat your loved ones on a busy weeknight, these Brownie Petit Fours will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: Rich chocolate and buttery goodness create an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip these up without any fuss.
• Make-ahead option: These petit fours can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile presentation: Serve them as elegant finger foods or alongside coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these bite-sized desserts, making them great for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Brownie Petit Fours is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome—perfect for creating those fudgy little bites everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your Brownie Petit Fours:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the brownie base.
• Infuse with espresso: A tablespoon of instant coffee granules mixed into the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Try different toppings: Instead of fleur de sel, consider drizzling some caramel sauce or adding colorful sprinkles for festive occasions.
• Swap the chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist on the classic brownie flavor.

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures that your brownies won’t stick when it’s time to cut them into those charming little squares.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together over low heat. Stir until smooth. This creates a velvety base that adds richness to your brownies—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Mix in Sugars and Eggs

Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Each egg adds moisture and helps create that fudgy texture we love!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to denser brownies—aim for just combined!

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This is where you get that perfect fudgy center!

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a cutting board. Once cool, cut them into small squares or rectangles to create your petit fours. The waiting game is worth it—they’ll be easier to cut!

Step 7: Make the Ganache

In a saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chopped semisweet chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to melt before stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Coat Each Petit Four

Pour the ganache over each petit four evenly. Let any excess drip off before allowing it to set for a few minutes. This glossy layer adds elegance—and who doesn’t love ganache?

Step 9: Finish with Fleur de Sel

Sprinkle fleur de sel lightly over each petit four for that perfect salty-sweet balance. Allow everything to set completely before serving—and watch as they disappear quickly!

Enjoy these delightful Brownie Petit Fours with friends and family; they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Petit Fours

Creating the perfect Brownie Petit Fours is all about attention to detail and a little extra love. Here are some tips to ensure your mini brownies turn out fabulous every time!

• Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies depends significantly on the chocolate you use, so opt for a good-quality semisweet chocolate for the best taste.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, which won’t hold up well when you cut them into petit fours. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Allow brownies to cool completely: Patience pays off! Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting them helps maintain their shape and ensures clean cuts.

• Experiment with flavors: Enhance your ganache by adding a splash of your favorite extracts, like almond or orange, for a unique twist that will impress your guests.

• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the petit fours for a short time after ganache application can help set the chocolate nicely and enhance their fudgy texture.

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Presenting your Brownie Petit Fours beautifully can transform them from simple treats into show-stopping desserts. Here are some creative ideas for serving these elegant bites!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries placed alongside the petit fours add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor contrast.
• Mint leaves: Sprinkling fresh mint leaves around your serving plate not only enhances presentation but also adds a delightful aroma.
• Chocolate shavings: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the ganache before it sets.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich brownie flavor, creating a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the brownies and provide a refreshing bite.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving your brownie petit fours with a cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolate flavor beautifully and gives that café-style indulgence.
• Whipped coconut cream: For those seeking a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a luscious, sweet touch that pairs perfectly with these decadent treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brownie Petit Fours will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Petit Fours are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover petit fours in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Ensure they are separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap each petit four individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped petit fours in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
• If desired, you can warm them slightly in a microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to melt the ganache.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common inquiries about Brownie Petit Fours!

Can I use different types of chocolate for Brownie Petit Fours?

Absolutely! You can substitute semisweet chocolate with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level when mixing in sugars.

How can I decorate my Brownie Petit Fours?

You can get creative with your decorations! Consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the ganache, adding edible glitter, or using fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color.

What is the best way to serve Brownie Petit Fours?

Brownie Petit Fours are best served on a decorative platter. They are perfect as bite-sized treats at parties or as an elegant addition to dessert tables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Brownie Petit Fours! Their rich, fudgy goodness combined with that touch of elegance makes them truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging yourself, these mini brownies will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your own twist on it!