Brownie Petit Fours: 12 Easy Steps to Decadence

Brownie petit fours have been my absolute go-to for making any occasion feel extra special, ever since I first saw them at a fancy tea party years ago. I remember being so impressed by these tiny, decadent chocolate brownie cakes, thinking they were impossibly difficult to make. But I was wrong! My grandmother showed me how to transform a simple brownie recipe into these elegant, bite-sized delights, and now I love making homemade brownie petit fours for everything from birthdays to just-because treats. The rich chocolate aroma filling my kitchen as they bake is pure magic, and the smooth ganache is simply divine. Let’s get cooking!

What Are Brownie Petit Fours?

So, what exactly are brownie petit fours? Think of them as the sophisticated cousin to your everyday brownie. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re miniature brownie cakes, meticulously cut into small, elegant squares and often coated in a luscious glaze or ganache. Their appeal lies in being the perfect bite-sized brownie desserts that feel incredibly special without being overwhelming. They’re a truly elegant brownie appetizer, taking the comforting flavor of chocolate brownie petit fours and elevating it into something gourmet. They represent a delightful twist on a classic, offering a rich, decadent chocolate experience in a perfectly portioned, bite-sized format that’s ideal for parties or a special treat.

Ingredients for Brownie Petit Fours

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful miniature brownie cakes. You’ll need some key components for both the rich brownie base and the smooth ganache. For the brownies themselves, I always opt for good quality semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter – about 4 ounces Semisweet Chocolate and ¾ cup Unsalted Butter. These form the decadent foundation for our small chocolate cakes brownie. We’ll sweeten them with ¾ cup Granulated Sugar and ½ cup Light Brown Sugar for that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

You’ll also need 3 large Eggs and 1½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract for richness and flavor. For the dry ingredients, make sure to sift together 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, ¾ cup Cocoa Powder (this gives our brownies that deep chocolate flavor!), and ¾ teaspoon Salt. For the luscious ganache that coats these homemade brownie petit fours, you’ll need ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream and another 4 ounces Chopped Chocolate (semisweet or dark works wonderfully here). A final sprinkle of Fleur de Sel adds a gourmet touch.

How to Make Brownie Petit Fours

Ready to create these delightful little treats? Making brownie petit fours is totally achievable, and I’ll walk you through each step. This easy brownie petit fours recipe breaks down the process into simple stages, ensuring you get perfect results every time. Let’s dive into the brownie petit fours instructions!

Baking the Brownie Base

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the brownies out later.
2. Step 2: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave on short bursts), melt together 4 ounces of Semisweet Chocolate and ¾ cup Unsalted Butter until completely smooth. Stir often to prevent scorching.
3. Step 3: Whisk the melted chocolate and butter mixture with ¾ cup Granulated Sugar and ½ cup Light Brown Sugar until well combined. The mixture should look glossy.
4. Step 4: Beat in 3 large Eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract.
5. Step 5: Sift together 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, ¾ cup Cocoa Powder, and ¾ teaspoon Salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb for your small batch brownie petit fours.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake!
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for clean cuts later, so let them chill for about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Ganache

8. Step 8: While the brownies cool, prepare the ganache. Gently heat ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Don’t let it boil vigorously.
9. Step 9: Pour the hot cream over 4 ounces of chopped Semisweet Chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
10. Step 10: Whisk the chocolate and cream together slowly, starting from the center and working your way out, until you have a smooth, glossy, and decadent ganache. Set aside to cool slightly until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Assembling Your Petit Fours

11. Step 11: Once the brownies are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Trim off any crisp edges, then cut the brownies into small, uniform squares or rectangles – about 1-inch pieces work well.
12. Step 12: Dip each brownie piece into the slightly cooled ganache, using a fork or toothpick to ensure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess ganache to drip back into the bowl.
13. Step 13: Place the dipped brownie petit fours on a clean sheet of parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle a tiny pinch of Fleur de Sel over the top of each one. This little touch makes them truly gourmet brownie petit fours.
14. Step 14: Let the ganache set completely at room temperature, or briefly in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm, before serving. Enjoy your homemade creations!

Pro Tips for the Best Brownie Petit Fours

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these little gems truly shine. Following these simple tips will elevate your homemade brownie petit fours from good to absolutely spectacular. They really are the best brownie petit fours when you pay attention to a few key details!

• For the fudgiest texture, don’t overbake your brownies! Pull them out when a toothpick has moist crumbs attached.
• Use high-quality chocolate for both the brownies and the ganache; it makes a world of difference in flavor.
• Chill everything – the brownies before cutting, and the finished petit fours before serving – for cleaner cuts and perfect ganache setting.

What’s the secret to perfect brownie petit fours?

The real secret to the best brownie petit fours lies in achieving that perfect balance: a dense, fudgy brownie base and a smooth, glossy ganache. Don’t overmix the brownie batter, and ensure your ganache is the right consistency – not too thin, not too thick – for dipping. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.

Can I make brownie petit fours ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the brownies up to 24 hours in advance and store them, uncut, at room temperature. Once assembled, these brownie dessert squares can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerated for longer storage. This makes them a great option for party desserts.

How do I avoid common mistakes with brownie petit fours?

A common pitfall is overbaking the brownies, leading to dry results. Another is working with ganache that’s too hot or too cold; let it cool to a spreadable consistency. For beautiful brownie petit fours decorating ideas, always let the ganache set before attempting any intricate designs or additional garnishes. Learn more about baking techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

These elegant little treats are perfect for so many occasions! I love serving them as part of a larger dessert spread at parties, where they always disappear quickly. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making them a delightful afternoon pick-me-me-up. For a truly sophisticated experience, consider them alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries; the slight tartness beautifully cuts through the rich chocolate. They also make wonderful miniature chocolate desserts to offer guests when they visit, or as part of a gourmet dessert platter.

Variations of Brownie Petit Fours You Can Try

While the classic version is divine, I love experimenting with these brownie petit fours to switch things up! They’re so versatile, you can really let your creativity shine. For a textural twist, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans directly into the brownie batter before baking. Another fantastic idea is to infuse the ganache with different flavors. A hint of orange zest or a dash of chili powder can transform these into something truly unique and exciting. You could even try a raspberry swirl in the brownie batter for a fruity kick.

If you’re looking for dietary variations, you can adapt this recipe. Consider using a gluten-free flour blend for the brownie base, or experiment with dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream for the ganache to make them dairy-free. These brownie bites petit fours are perfect for catering to different needs while still offering that decadent chocolate experience. Don’t be afraid to play with different extracts like peppermint or almond to create entirely new flavor profiles! You might also enjoy these chicken meatballs for a different kind of treat.

Nutrition Facts for Brownie Petit Fours

These decadent little treats are a fantastic indulgence. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (this recipe yields about 16 brownie petit fours):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 65mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of chocolate and butter, and the exact size of your brownie dessert squares.

How to Store and Reheat Brownie Petit Fours

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and delightful texture of your homemade brownie petit fours. Once they’ve cooled and the ganache has set, I like to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method works best for the first 2-3 days, keeping them perfectly delicious. If you need to preserve them for longer, simply pop that airtight container into the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For serious make-ahead bakers, these decadent brownie petit fours freeze beautifully! Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best results.

When it comes to reheating, it’s usually not necessary as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. However, if they’ve been refrigerated, letting them sit out for about 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. This gentle warming helps the ganache soften slightly, bringing back that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Proper preservation ensures these small chocolate cakes brownie treats are always ready to impress! You can find more storage tips on our privacy policy page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brownie Petit Fours

Can I make brownie petit fours for parties well in advance?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the brownie base up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it uncut at room temperature. Once assembled and dipped, they can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. This makes them a fantastic option for planning ahead for your brownie petit fours for parties, ensuring you have a beautiful dessert ready to go.

What kind of chocolate is best for brownie petit fours?

For the best flavor and texture in your homemade brownie petit fours, I highly recommend using good quality chocolate. Semisweet chocolate is a classic choice for both the brownie base and the ganache, but you can certainly experiment with dark chocolate for a richer taste. The quality of your chocolate directly impacts the overall decadence of these small chocolate cakes brownie, so don’t skimp!

My ganache is too thin/thick for dipping, what should I do?

Don’t worry if your ganache isn’t the perfect consistency right away! If it’s too thin, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer; it will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency again. Getting the ganache just right is key for achieving those elegant, smooth finishes on your gourmet brownie petit fours.

Can I add other decorations to my brownie petit fours?

Definitely! While the fleur de sel adds a lovely gourmet touch, the possibilities for brownie petit fours decorating ideas are endless. You could drizzle them with white chocolate, add edible glitter, sprinkle on some chopped nuts, or even pipe a small design on top with colored frosting. These customizations make your brownie petit fours for parties even more unique and visually appealing.

Print