Brownie Petit Fours

Make Brownie Petit Fours with chocolate ganache in two delightful ways! These mini treats are perfect for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to casual get-togethers. Their rich chocolate flavor and stunning presentation make them a standout dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they are simple to make yet look incredibly fancy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite of these brownie petit fours is bursting with rich chocolate goodness, complemented by smooth ganache.
• Versatile Presentation: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a special treat at home, these petit fours impress visually and taste-wise.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or flavors to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
• Fun to Make: Enjoy the creative process of cutting and decorating these petite desserts. It’s an enjoyable activity for all ages.
• Perfect Portions: These mini desserts are ideal for satisfying sweet cravings without overindulging.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools is essential for creating perfect brownie petit fours. With just a few items, you can easily whip up this delightful treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and proper shape for your brownie base.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly, avoiding spills during mixing.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and folding in ingredients without losing airiness.

Ingredients

Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways!

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

Instructions:

Servings: Depends on Size of Brownies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Brownies

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat:
Add the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter.
Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Eggs

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the sugar and light brown sugar.
2. Whisk until well blended.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan:
Spread it evenly using the spatula.
Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Prepare Ganache

While brownies cool:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until just simmering.
2. Pour over chopped semisweet chocolate. Let sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Petit Fours

Once brownies have cooled completely:
1. Cut them into small squares or desired shapes.
2. Dip each piece into ganache, letting excess drip off.
3. Sprinkle with Fleur de sel.

Enjoy your deliciously crafted brownie petit fours!

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Brownie petit fours are delightful mini desserts that can be served in various creative ways. Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them a perfect treat for any occasion.

For a Special Occasion

• Elegant Platter: Arrange brownie petit fours on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with fresh berries for a pop of color.
• Individual Boxes: Present each petit four in small decorative boxes tied with ribbon, perfect for gifting or party favors.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Pairing: Serve brownie petit fours alongside freshly brewed coffee. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Tea Time Treats: Pair with a selection of herbal teas for a cozy afternoon delight.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Festive Display: Create a holiday-themed dessert table featuring brownie petit fours among other seasonal treats.
• Mini Dessert Bar: Include brownie petit fours in a mini dessert bar where guests can mix and match their favorites.

As Party Favors

• Take-Home Treats: Pack brownie petit fours in clear bags with a thank-you note to give as party favors.
• Customized Labels: Personalize labels on the packaging for birthdays, weddings, or special events.

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How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours

To achieve the best brownie petit fours, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Always opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Measure Accurately: Be precise with ingredient measurements to ensure the right consistency and taste.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into petits fours to maintain their shape.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cut brownies briefly before serving; this enhances the flavor and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours

Pairing the right side dishes with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the richness of chocolate.
2. Fresh Berries Salad: A light and refreshing contrast that enhances the chocolate flavors while providing a burst of freshness.
3. Whipped Cream Dip: A fluffy dip made from whipped cream that complements the dense texture of the brownies.
4. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce served on the side allows guests to customize their dessert experience.
5. Espresso Shots: Strong espresso served alongside provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of brownie petit fours.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to dodge some common pitfalls.

• Ingredients: Skipping the use of quality chocolate can lead to bland flavors. Always choose high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best taste.

• Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make your brownie petit fours tough. Mix just until combined for a fudgy texture.

• Incorrect Baking Time: Not checking for doneness can result in undercooked or overcooked brownies. Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into warm brownies can lead to messy petit fours. Let them cool completely before slicing.

• Skipping Ganache: Neglecting to make the chocolate ganache will miss out on that rich, creamy topping. Don’t skip this step for maximum indulgence.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brownie Petit Fours

• Wrap each petit four tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brownie Petit Fours

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place one petit four on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, warming each petit four gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.

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

Yes, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles. Just remember that it may alter sweetness levels.

How do I decorate my Brownie Petit Fours?

You can use sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh fruit to elevate their appearance. A drizzle of extra ganache also adds flair!

Are Brownie Petit Fours suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties and celebrations, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table.

What is the best way to serve Brownie Petit Fours?

Serve them chilled or at room temperature on a beautiful platter. Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

Brownie Petit Fours are not only delicious but also versatile enough to impress at any gathering. You can customize them with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!