Mint Chocolate Petits Fours

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

   Tip: Sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps.

3. 3

   Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   Tip: Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they become frothy.

   Tip: Add a pinch of salt to help stabilize the eggs.

5. 5

   Add the flour mixture to the egg whites and mix until a dough forms.

6. 6

   Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

7. 7

   Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3mm. Cut into small squares.

   Tip: Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the dough into uniform squares.

8. 8

   Place a small spoonful of melted butter onto the center of each square.

   Tip: Leave a 1cm border around the edges to prevent the butter from seeping out.

9. 9

   Sprinkle a pinch of confectioner's sugar over the butter.

   Tip: This will help the chocolate set and give the pastry a smooth finish.

10. 10

    Fold the dough over the butter to form a triangle.

    Tip: Press the edges to seal the pastry.

11. 11

    Place the petit fours on the prepared baking sheet.

    Tip: Leave about 1cm of space between each pastry to allow for even baking.

12. 12

    Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

    Tip: Check the pastries after 10 minutes and rotate the baking sheet for even baking.

13. 13

    Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack.

    Tip: This will help the chocolate set and the pastry to retain its shape.

14. 14

    Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.

    Tip: Stir the chocolate until it is smooth and glossy.

15. 15

    Dip the cooled petit fours into the melted chocolate.

    Tip: Tap off any excess chocolate by gently tapping the pastry against the side of the bowl.

16. 16

    Sprinkle the tops with confectioner's sugar.

    Tip: This will give the pastries a smooth and polished finish.

17. 17

    Drizzle with peppermint extract and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint leaves.

    Tip: This will add a fresh and refreshing flavor to the pastries.

18. 18

    Serve and enjoy!