Brownie Petit Fours

Indulge in the rich, fudgy delight of Brownie Petit Fours – elegant bite-sized desserts that transform classic brownies into sophisticated treats. These decadent squares feature a dense chocolate brownie base enrobed in smooth chocolate glaze, creating the perfect balance of chewy interior and glossy exterior. The miniature brownie bites offer an irresistible contrast of textures that chocolate enthusiasts crave. Whether served at afternoon tea, elegant parties, or packaged as thoughtful gifts, these Brownie Petit Fours elevate any occasion with their polished appearance and intense flavor. You’ll learn how to create these show-stopping treats with straightforward techniques that yield professional-quality results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Brownie Petit Fours deliver exceptional flavor in a perfectly portioned package. The dense, fudgy brownie base provides a satisfying chew that contrasts beautifully with the snap of the glossy chocolate coating. Unlike traditional petit fours that can be fussy and time-consuming, these brownie versions streamline the process while maintaining an elegant appearance.

The combination of deep chocolate flavor from high-quality cocoa powder and the sweet glaze creates a sophisticated taste profile that appeals to serious dessert lovers. Each bite delivers the perfect ratio of chewy center to smooth exterior coating, eliminating the common petit four problem of dry cake centers.

Best of all, these miniature brownie squares can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Their impressive appearance belies how approachable they are to make, even for bakers who might be intimidated by traditional French pastry techniques. The versatility of these chocolate petit fours means they work equally well for casual gatherings or formal affairs.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (85g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder (for deepest chocolate flavor)
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 12 ounces (340g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (ensures shine)

Optional Decorations:

• Sprinkles, gold leaf, or edible flowers
• White chocolate for drizzling (4 ounces/113g)
• Chopped nuts (½ cup/60g)

High-quality cocoa powder is essential for these chocolate petit fours, as it forms the foundation of the brownie’s flavor. The combination of semisweet chocolate and heavy cream creates a ganache-like coating that sets with a beautiful sheen.

Pro Tips

Master the Brownie Texture: For perfect Brownie Petit Fours, slightly underbake your brownie base. Remove the brownies from the oven when a few moist crumbs still cling to a toothpick inserted in the center. This ensures your petit fours will have that coveted fudgy center that contrasts with the firm chocolate coating. Overbaked brownies will result in dry petit fours that lack the textural contrast that makes these treats special.

Achieve Clean Cuts: Refrigerate your brownie sheet for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Use a ruler to mark precise measurements, then dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it clean, and make your cut. Repeat the hot water dip between each cut for pristine edges. This precision is crucial as ragged edges will show through the chocolate coating, compromising the elegant appearance of your petit four brownies.

Perfect Chocolate Coating: When preparing the chocolate glaze, chop the chocolate extremely fine to ensure it melts completely without requiring additional heat that could cause the coating to become too thin. Allow the glaze to cool to 90-95°F (32-35°C) before dipping the brownie squares – this temperature creates the ideal thickness that will coat evenly without being too thick or thin. Place dipped pieces on a wire rack over parchment paper for the cleanest finish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly between each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop when no dry streaks remain but the batter is still slightly lumpy. This preserves the fudgy texture that makes these Brownie Petit Fours so irresistible.

Step 3: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving clean cuts for your petit fours.

Step 4: Cut Into Squares
Once thoroughly chilled, lift the brownie sheet out using the parchment overhang. With a ruler as your guide, cut into precise 1-inch squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Place the squares on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator while preparing the glaze.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Glaze
Place finely chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour over chocolate. Let stand for 30 seconds, then gently stir until smooth. Add butter and corn syrup, stirring until fully incorporated and glossy. Allow the glaze to cool slightly until it reaches the perfect dipping consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Working with one brownie square at a time, place it on a fork and dip into the glaze, ensuring all sides are coated. Tap the fork gently against the bowl to remove excess glaze, then transfer to the wire rack. While the glaze is still wet, add any desired decorations. If using white chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate, transfer to a small piping bag, and create delicate patterns across the tops. Allow the Brownie Petit Fours to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster results.

Variations

Salted Caramel Brownie Petit Fours: Create an indulgent twist by adding a layer of salted caramel between the brownie base and chocolate coating. After the brownies are baked and cooled but before cutting, spread a thin layer of slightly cooled salted caramel sauce over the entire brownie sheet. Refrigerate until firm, then proceed with cutting and glazing as directed. The sweet-salty contrast elevates these chocolate brownie bites to a new level of sophistication.

Peppermint Brownie Petit Fours: For a refreshing holiday variation, add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the brownie batter and another ½ teaspoon to the chocolate glaze. Top with crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles for a festive appearance. These minty brownie petit fours make excellent Christmas gifts or additions to holiday dessert platters, providing a sophisticated alternative to traditional peppermint bark.

Espresso Brownie Petit Fours: For coffee lovers, dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder in the vanilla extract before adding to the brownie batter. Add an additional teaspoon to the chocolate glaze for a mocha effect. These coffee-infused petit four brownies pair exceptionally well with after-dinner coffee or as an elegant afternoon pick-me-up alongside espresso.

Storage and Serving

Store your Brownie Petit Fours in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. At room temperature, they’ll maintain their best texture for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to experience their optimal fudgy texture and flavor intensity.

When presenting these elegant brownie bites, arrange them on a tiered cake stand for maximum visual impact at parties. For a sophisticated dessert course, place two petit fours on a small plate with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries. The contrast between the rich chocolate and fresh fruit creates a balanced dessert experience.

For gifting, carefully place these chocolate petit fours in small paper cups and arrange in a decorative box lined with tissue paper. Tie with ribbon and attach a handwritten note for a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your baking skills while providing an elevated brownie experience that’s far more special than ordinary brownies.

FAQs

Can I make these Brownie Petit Fours in advance?
Yes! These Brownie Petit Fours actually benefit from being made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors deepen and the coating has time to set perfectly. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

Why did my chocolate coating crack?
Cracking usually occurs when refrigerated petit fours are exposed to sudden temperature changes. Allow them to come to room temperature gradually before serving. Also ensure your brownies are completely cool before glazing.

Can I freeze these petit fours?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed brownie squares for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing. Completely finished petit four brownies can be frozen for up to 1 month but may lose some of their glossy finish.

How do I get perfectly clean cuts on my brownies?
Chill the brownies thoroughly, use a ruler as a guide, and clean your knife between each cut with hot water. A sharp chef’s knife works better than a serrated knife for these precise cuts.

Can I use box brownie mix as a shortcut?
While homemade brownies provide the best texture and flavor for petit fours, a high-quality brownie mix can work in a pinch. Choose a fudgy variety and slightly underbake for the right consistency.

Conclusion

These Brownie Petit Fours are chocolate perfection in miniature form — rich, fudgy squares of brownie elegance that transform a casual favorite into a sophisticated treat. It’s the kind of dessert that impresses guests at special occasions while satisfying serious chocolate cravings with its perfect balance of textures and deep flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a baby shower, wedding reception, or simply treating yourself to an elevated dessert experience, these brownie bites prove that sometimes the most delightful pleasures come in small packages.

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