Orange Chocolate Petits Fours

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and line the bottom of each cup with a small piece of parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and eggs until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.

5. 5

   Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

6. 6

   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a petit four comes out clean.

7. 7

   Allow the petit fours to cool completely in the muffin tin.

8. 8

   To make the orange buttercream, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the orange zest, orange marmalade, and orange extract, and beat until combined.

10. 10

    To assemble, place a petit four on a serving plate, and top with a dollop of orange buttercream.