Brownie Petit Fours are elegant, bite-sized treats featuring rich, fudgy brownies layered with ganache, caramel, or jam and coated in a silky chocolate glaze. These miniature desserts are perfect for special occasions, tea parties, or anytime you want a decadent, bite-sized indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Fudgy – A soft, chocolatey brownie base with a smooth and velvety finish.
- Elegant & Impressive – These mini treats look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make.
- Customizable Fillings – Layer them with caramel, ganache, jam, or even peanut butter.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, weddings, or holiday desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Store well and can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies:
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
For the Filling (Choose One or Mix & Match):
- Chocolate ganache (chocolate + heavy cream)
- Raspberry or strawberry jam
- Caramel sauce
- Peanut butter
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
- Heavy cream
- Light corn syrup (for shine, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Brownie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Mix sugars and eggs – Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients – Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Assemble the Petit Fours
- Cut the brownies – Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut brownies into small squares or circles (about 1-1.5 inches wide).
- Add filling – Spread a thin layer of ganache, jam, or caramel on half of the brownies, then top with another brownie piece to create sandwich layers.
- Freeze for easier dipping – Place the layered brownies in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze
- Heat heavy cream – Warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
- Melt chocolate – Pour the cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Coat the petit fours – Use a fork to dip each brownie square into the chocolate glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
Step 4: Decorate & Serve
- Optional toppings – Drizzle with extra chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, or add sprinkles for a festive look.
- Let set – Allow the glaze to firm up at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
- Serve & enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 petit fours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Glaze – Use white chocolate for a contrast effect.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts between layers.
- Mocha Flavored – Mix 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the brownie batter for a coffee kick.
- Salted Caramel – Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes! If short on time, use store-bought brownies and just add the layers and glaze.
How do I get clean cuts for petit fours?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but dark chocolate balances the sweetness better.
Why freeze the brownies before glazing?
Freezing makes them firmer and easier to coat in chocolate without breaking.
Can I make these without a filling?
Yes! You can simply glaze single-layer brownie bites.
How do I prevent the chocolate glaze from becoming too thick?
If it thickens, reheat gently with a little extra cream to thin it out.
Can I add a crunch layer?
Yes! Add crushed cookies or nuts between the layers for texture.
How do I make petit fours look fancy?
Drizzle with white chocolate, top with edible gold dust, or add a swirl of frosting.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free chocolate.
How long should I let them set before serving?
About 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the fridge.
Conclusion
Brownie Petit Fours are an irresistible combination of rich chocolate, creamy fillings, and a smooth glaze. These bite-sized treats are perfect for elegant gatherings, dessert platters, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. Try them today and enjoy a bakery-style delight right at home!
PrintBrownie Petit Fours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 36 petit fours 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brownie Petit Fours are miniature, chocolatey delights made with a fudgy brownie base, topped with a smooth ganache, and coated in a shiny chocolate glaze. These bite-sized treats are rich, decadent, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (for shine)
Instructions
For the Brownies:
- Preheat Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix Batter – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
For the Ganache:
- Heat Cream – In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
- Melt Chocolate – Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Spread Over Brownies – Once the brownies are cool, spread an even layer of ganache on top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- Melt Ingredients – In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips, butter, heavy cream, and corn syrup in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Assembling the Brownie Petit Fours:
- Cut Brownies – Once the ganache is set, cut the brownies into small 1-inch squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Glaze the Petit Fours – Place the brownie squares on a wire rack over parchment paper. Pour the chocolate glaze over each one, ensuring full coverage.
- Chill & Set – Let the petit fours set at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Decorate (Optional) – Drizzle with white chocolate, add gold flakes, or top with sprinkles for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Want a shortcut? Use a boxed brownie mix for a quicker version!
- For neat squares, freeze brownies for 15 minutes before cutting.
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