Brownie Petit Fours

If you’re looking for a treat that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen, these Brownie Petit Fours are just what you need! They’re rich and decadent, making them perfect for any special occasion, from family gatherings to cozy date nights. The combination of fudgy brownies topped with a glossy ganache and a sprinkle of fleur de sel creates a delightful balance of flavors that is sure to make everyone smile.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into elegant little bites of joy. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, so when guests arrive or you’re hit with a sweet craving, you’re all set.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can create these delightful treats without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these mini brownies—they’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Whip them up in advance and let the flavors meld; they taste even better the next day.
• Delicious Flavor: Rich chocolate paired with a hint of salt creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Elegant Presentation: These petit fours look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make—perfect for impressing your friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for these Brownie Petit Fours—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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! You can easily swap out ingredients or add new flavors to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Change the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for a richer flavor.
• Incorporate Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract into the ganache for a refreshing twist.
• Top with Fresh Berries: Garnish each petit four with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.

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 ensures that your brownies come out perfectly every time without sticking. It makes clean-up easier too!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together. Stirring until smooth is crucial here; it helps combine everything perfectly so your brownies will be fudgy and rich.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fully combined. Adding eggs one at a time while whisking helps incorporate air, making your brownies nice and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt before folding them into the wet mixture. This step ensures there are no lumps and that everything blends beautifully for that perfect brownie texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Baking for about 20–25 minutes allows them to set just right—check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with some moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before transferring them onto a cutting board. Cutting them into small squares or rectangles gives you those charming petit fours.

Step 7: Make the Ganache

For the ganache, heat heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Pour this hot cream over your chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit—this melts the chocolate beautifully so you can stir it into a smooth mixture.

Step 8: Coat Each Petit Four

Pour the ganache over each brownie piece generously. Let any excess drip off before moving on; this gives each petit four that professional touch we all love!

Step 9: Finish with Fleur de Sel

Lightly sprinkle fleur de sel on top of each petit four once coated. This little touch enhances both flavor and presentation, giving that perfect salty-sweet balance we crave!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Brownie Petit Fours! They truly are a treat worth sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Petit Fours

These delightful treats are sure to impress, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownie petit fours comes from the chocolate, so opting for good-quality semisweet chocolate will make a significant difference in taste and texture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake; you want them to be fudgy and moist. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into neat petit fours without crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors: While the classic chocolate flavor is divine, consider adding a touch of espresso powder or orange zest for a unique twist that enhances the chocolate richness.
• Be patient with the ganache: Letting the ganache sit before stirring allows it to melt evenly. This step ensures a smooth and glossy finish on your petit fours.

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Serving these brownie petit fours elegantly can elevate their appeal. Here are some ideas on how to present these sweet bites!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: Adding a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side brings a vibrant color contrast and adds a refreshing tartness that complements the rich chocolate.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream can create a beautiful presentation while adding a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the brownies.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or espresso: A rich cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavor and offers a comforting warmth that makes dessert feel extra special.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the dense brownie petit fours and is sure to please any crowd.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the brownies, making for an inviting dessert platter.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some extra chocolate sauce over your brownie petit fours or serving it alongside for dipping can take them over the top in indulgence!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brownie Petit Fours will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy every moment as you share these elegant treats with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Petit Fours are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever you crave something sweet. They store beautifully and can be made in advance for parties or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the petit fours to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, transfer to the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each petit four individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped petit fours in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; when ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, let the petit fours come to room temperature before serving.
• If desired, warm them slightly in a microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to maintain their fudgy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these splendid Brownie Petit Fours.

Can I make Brownie Petit Fours without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a commercial egg replacer. This will help achieve a similar texture and moisture level.

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

To create a smooth ganache, ensure your heavy cream is hot but not boiling when mixed with the chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring gently until fully combined.

What can I use instead of fleur de sel?

If you don’t have fleur de sel, you can use regular sea salt or kosher salt as an alternative. Just sprinkle lightly over the ganache for that finishing touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these beautiful Brownie Petit Fours! Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them truly special. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your creations with friends and family!