Brownie Petit Fours

Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways! These delightful mini desserts are perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Their unique size and rich chocolate flavor make them a standout choice that everyone will love. Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to any occasion!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Brownie Base
• For the Chocolate Ganache
• How to Make Brownie Petit Fours
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
• Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
• Step 4: Mix Sugars and Eggs
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Bake the Brownies
• Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
• Step 8: Assemble Petit Fours
• How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
• As a Coffee Accompaniment
• At Parties
• For Special Occasions
• As a Gift
• How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
• Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
• Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different chocolate types?
• How do I make the ganache thicker?
• Can I customize the flavors?
• What makes these brownie petit fours different from regular brownies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and rich cocoa creates a fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Presentation: These petit fours can be dressed up for special events or enjoyed casually at home.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these treats ready in no time.
• Perfect Portion Size: Each petit four is just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without being overwhelming.
• Gourmet Appeal: Impress your guests with these fancy little desserts that look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools that will make this process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment ensures better results and less mess.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Knife or cake cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking, giving you perfectly cooked brownies.
• Mixing bowls: Different sizes help in organizing your ingredients and mixing them thoroughly.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into the batter, making your brownies light yet rich.

Ingredients

Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways!

For the Brownie Base

• 4 ounces (about ¾ cup of chips) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup (12 T or 165 gm) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 gm) sugar
• ½ cup (100 gm) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (140 gm) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65 gm) cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Ganache

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

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly throughout.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier after baking.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter.
Use a microwave or double boiler method to melt them together until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Sugars and Eggs

Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fully combined.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using your spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

While the brownies cool, make the ganache by heating heavy whipping cream until just simmering. Pour it over chopped semisweet chocolate in a separate bowl and let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble Petit Fours

Once brownies are cooled, cut them into small squares or desired shapes. Dip each piece into ganache or drizzle on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted brownie petit fours!

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Brownie petit fours are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Their elegant size and rich flavor make them a favorite dessert choice. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

As a Coffee Accompaniment

• Pair with Espresso: The rich chocolate flavor of brownie petit fours complements the bold taste of espresso perfectly.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness to the dense brownies, creating a delicious contrast.

At Parties

• Mini Dessert Platter: Arrange brownie petit fours on a platter with other mini desserts for a stunning visual appeal.
• Chocolate Fondue Station: Provide melted chocolate for dipping to enhance the experience and add an interactive element.

For Special Occasions

• Garnished with Fresh Berries: Top each petit four with berries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Festive Icing Decorations: Use colorful icing or edible glitter to dress up brownie petit fours for holidays or celebrations.

As a Gift

• Boxed Treats: Package brownie petit fours in decorative boxes as sweet gifts for friends and family.
• Personalized Tags: Add custom tags to each box for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

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How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours

To create the best brownie petit fours, attention to detail is key. With these tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality semisweet chocolate for richer flavor in both the brownies and ganache.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently mix ingredients until just combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
• Chill Before Cutting: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into petit four shapes to avoid crumbling.
• Experiment with Ganache Thickness: Adjust heavy cream amounts in ganache for different textures—thicker for dipping, thinner for drizzling.
• Sprinkle Fleur de Sel Generously: A sprinkle of fleur de sel enhances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Allow brownie petit fours to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours

Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement the rich flavors of this treat.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of brownie petit fours beautifully.
2. Berry Compote – A warm berry compote adds tanginess and freshness, enhancing each bite of chocolatey goodness.
3. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over brownie petit fours for extra indulgence.
4. Fresh Mint Leaves – Garnishing with mint provides a refreshing contrast that brightens the dessert’s richness.
5. Caramel Sauce – Sweet caramel sauce creates a decadent addition that pairs well with chocolate flavors.
6. Coffee Creamer – Offer flavored coffee creamers alongside to complement the dessert’s deep cocoa notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brownie Petit Fours can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can alter the recipe. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting warm brownies leads to a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into petit fours.
• Ignoring the ganache consistency: A runny ganache won’t coat well. Follow the instructions closely for the perfect consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brownie Petit Fours

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Brownie Petit Fours

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Brownie Petit Fours:

Can I use different chocolate types?

You can experiment with dark or white chocolate, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile.

How do I make the ganache thicker?

To thicken ganache, simply allow it to cool longer before using or add more chocolate.

Can I customize the flavors?

Absolutely! You can add extracts like almond or mint, or mix in nuts and fruits for variety.

What makes these brownie petit fours different from regular brownies?

They are smaller, more elegant, and often have a decorative layer of ganache which sets them apart as bite-sized treats.

Final Thoughts

Brownie Petit Fours are an elegant twist on traditional brownies, making them perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a cozy treat at home, these delightful mini desserts are sure to impress!