Brownie Petit Fours

Brownie Petit Fours are bite-sized treats that combine the rich decadence of fudgy brownies with the refined elegance of a traditional French petit four. These charming mini desserts are perfect for weddings, tea parties, holiday trays, or anytime you want to impress guests with a beautiful, indulgent bite. Featuring moist brownie squares topped with ganache, fondant, or glaze, and often decorated with delicate garnishes, these confections are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Unlike classic petit fours, which are typically made with layers of sponge cake, brownie petit fours offer a denser, more chocolate-forward experience. Their small size makes them ideal for portion control and elegant presentation, while still delivering all the satisfaction of a full-sized brownie. You can dress them up with colorful fondant, piped chocolate, edible flowers, or nuts—or keep them simple and chic with a glossy ganache coating.

Brownie Petit Fours are a creative and crowd-pleasing twist on a traditional dessert. With endless flavor variations and customizable toppings, they’re a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels looking to make something both fun and fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant and Impressive – These mini treats look like they came from a high-end bakery.
2. Perfect for Parties – Ideal for events, dessert tables, or gifting.
3. Customizable Flavors and Toppings – Easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or the season.
4. Rich and Fudgy – Offers all the indulgence of a brownie in a two-bite form.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and decorated just before serving.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Heavy cream (for ganache or glaze)
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• Optional fondant or white chocolate for coating
• Decorations: sprinkles, edible glitter, chopped nuts, freeze-dried fruit, piped chocolate

Variations

• Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract to the brownie batter or ganache for a refreshing twist.
• Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter or top with a peanut butter glaze.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for texture.
• Fruit-Infused: Add a layer of raspberry or cherry jam before glazing for a fruit-chocolate combination.
• Holiday-Themed: Use seasonal decorations or flavored coatings (like white chocolate peppermint for winter).

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Melt butter, then whisk in cocoa powder and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt until just combined. Pour into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Chill and Cut

Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to firm up. Remove from pan and trim edges. Cut into small, even squares—approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each.

Step 3: Prepare Ganache or Coating

Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache thicken slightly so it can coat the brownies evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Brownie Squares

Place each brownie square on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Pour or spoon ganache over each one to coat completely. Alternatively, dip in melted fondant or white chocolate.

Step 5: Decorate

Before the coating sets, top with desired decorations—sprinkles, chopped nuts, edible glitter, piped chocolate, or a tiny piece of fruit. Allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill before cutting: Refrigerating helps achieve clean, sharp cuts.
• Use a sharp knife: Wipe clean between cuts for precise edges.
• Let the coating set: Allow the ganache or glaze to cool slightly before coating so it adheres smoothly.
• Use a fork or skewer: Lifting the squares with a fork or skewer makes dipping or coating easier.
• Store cool, not cold: Store in a cool spot, not in the fridge, to maintain texture and shine.

How to Serve

Serve Brownie Petit Fours on a tiered tray, a mirrored platter, or in individual paper liners for a polished look. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or dessert wine and are ideal for events where finger foods are preferred. You can also wrap them in small boxes or bags for party favors or edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your environment is very warm, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing

Freeze uncoated brownie squares for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before coating and decorating.

Reheating

These are best served at room temperature. Do not reheat, as it may melt the ganache or ruin decorations.

FAQs

1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes! Just be sure it’s a fudgy variety, and let it cool completely before cutting.

2. How do I cut brownies without crumbling?

Chill them first and use a clean, sharp knife, wiping between cuts.

3. Can I dip these instead of pouring ganache?

Yes, dipping gives a thicker coating but can be trickier. Use skewers or a dipping fork.

4. Do I have to use ganache?

No—you can use fondant, melted chocolate, or a glaze, depending on your desired look and taste.

5. Can I add filling layers?

Yes! A thin layer of jam or peanut butter before coating adds flavor and interest.

6. What’s the best chocolate for ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a smooth, glossy finish.

7. How many petit fours does this make?

A 9×13-inch pan will yield 30–40 squares, depending on your cutting size.

8. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and check that all other ingredients are GF-certified.

9. Are these suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Package in mini boxes or cellophane bags for a lovely edible gift.

10. How do I make them look uniform?

Use a ruler and sharp knife, and trim the edges before cutting into squares.

Conclusion

Brownie Petit Fours are the perfect blend of classic comfort and elegant presentation. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday event, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these bite-sized delights deliver all the rich, chocolatey satisfaction of brownies in a chic, sophisticated form. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a delightful treat that will steal the spotlight on any dessert table.

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