Brownie Petit Fours

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

this Recipe

(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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
3. Mix sugars and eggs – Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Combine dry ingredients – Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
5. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the Petit Fours

1. Cut the brownies – Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut brownies into small squares or circles (about 1-1.5 inches wide).
2. 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.
3. Freeze for easier dipping – Place the layered brownies in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze

1. Heat heavy cream – Warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
2. Melt chocolate – Pour the cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. 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

1. Optional toppings – Drizzle with extra chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, or add sprinkles for a festive look.
2. Let set – Allow the glaze to firm up at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
3. 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!

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