Brownie Petit Fours

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines elegance with an irresistible chocolatey flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Brownie Petit Fours are a personal favorite of mine. There’s something so delightful about their bite-sized form, making them perfect for any special occasion, from elegant dinner parties to casual family gatherings. Plus, who can resist the rich fudgy brownie base topped with a luscious ganache? Trust me; your loved ones will keep coming back for more!

These petite treats not only look fancy but are also surprisingly easy to make. They are sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious petit fours without breaking a sweat.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves chocolate! These mini brownies are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and let the ganache set. They stay fresh for days!
• Impressive Presentation: Serve these elegant desserts at your next gathering, and watch your guests’ faces light up.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and a hint of salt creates a divine flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these scrumptious Brownie Petit Fours, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect fudge-like texture and glossy finish.

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
• Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

Variations

The beauty of these Brownie Petit Fours is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with flavors or toppings. Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch.
• Try Different Chocolates: Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for the ganache to change the flavor profile.
• Incorporate Flavors: A dash of espresso powder or orange zest can add an interesting twist to the brownies.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Make them festive by adding colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache before it sets.

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper ensures that our brownies will come out easily once baked. This step is crucial as we want perfectly shaped petit fours!

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the semisweet chocolate and butter until smooth. Stirring continuously helps prevent burning and ensures everything blends beautifully.

Step 3: Mix in Sugars and Eggs

Remove from heat and stir in both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until combined. Adding eggs one at a time while whisking after each addition creates airiness—this helps our brownies rise perfectly!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt into another bowl. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want those fudgy textures!

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for about 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist crumbs—this indicates they’re perfectly fudgy!

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the brownies cool completely in their pan before transferring them to a cutting board. Once cool, cut them into small squares or rectangles—these will be our petit fours!

Step 7: Make the Ganache

In another saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it simmers. Pour it over your chopped semisweet chocolate and let sit for a few minutes before stirring until it’s smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Coat Each Petit Four

Pour the warm ganache over each petit four, ensuring they coat evenly. Allow any excess ganache to drip off; this keeps our presentation neat!

Step 9: Finish with Fleur de Sel

Lightly sprinkle fleur de sel over each petit four for that perfect salty-sweet balance. Allow everything to set completely before serving—patience is key here!

Enjoy sharing these delightful Brownie Petit Fours with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Petit Fours

Creating these delightful brownie petit fours can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here’s how to ensure your mini brownies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies largely depends on the chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for a richer taste.
• Don’t overbake: To achieve that fudgy texture, keep an eye on the baking time. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not clean, to ensure they stay soft and delicious.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully in the pan helps them set properly and makes it easier to cut them into neat shapes without crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors: While the classic version is divine, don’t hesitate to add a splash of espresso or orange zest to the batter for a unique twist that enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Let ganache sit before pouring: Allowing the ganache to rest after mixing ensures it thickens slightly, making it easier to pour and giving a beautiful finish on your petit fours.

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

These Brownie Petit Fours are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A few raspberries or strawberries can add a vibrant color contrast while providing a fresh burst of flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
• Edible flowers: Adding edible flowers like pansies or violets can elevate your presentation, giving it an elegant touch perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these brownie petit fours, balancing the richness with its coolness.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving these desserts alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances their chocolatey goodness and creates a comforting dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies, making it an ideal accompaniment for those who prefer something lighter on their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Petit Fours are not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep. You can make them in advance for parties or special occasions, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready to impress your guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember that the ganache may become firmer when cold.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cut petit fours on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

• These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating is typically not necessary.
• If desired, you can warm them slightly in the microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may affect the texture of the ganache.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.

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

Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate provides a rich flavor, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate according to your taste preferences.

How do I achieve the perfect ganache for my Brownie Petit Fours?

To achieve a smooth and glossy ganache, ensure your cream is hot but not boiling when poured over the chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until fully combined.

What should I serve with Brownie Petit Fours?

Brownie Petit Fours pair beautifully with coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Brownie Petit Fours! They’re not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them perfect for any celebration. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing these little bites of heaven with friends and family. Happy baking!