12 petit fours that elevate any after-dinner meal: recipes to make you look your best
Slowly eating a petit four or a cookie with freshly brewed coffee (or tea, if you're on that team) is one of those small joys that improve any after-dinner meal. We're talking about bites that arrive in a little box, on a tray or, discreetly, in the small plate with the drink, yes, but that taste like pastries even if we have made them ourselves: real butter, chocolate just right, red fruits or almonds that are noticeable and sugar without excess, the kind that doesn't leave your mouth sticky.
We know that, if guests are coming, we want the after-dinner meal to be just right. The hard part is to find something sweet that looks delicate, does not cloy and looks like a pastry. That is why we have gathered 12 petit fours and cookies that look good on a tray and even better next to coffee. They are not to be eaten in a hurry, nor are they made to be dispatched in two minutes: they are enjoyed at a slow pace, with conversation and the occasional glance of desire at the last piece.
1. Chocolate macarons
The chocolate macaron is that bite that seems like a small thing until it "cracks" and leaves your mouth covered with ganache. On the outside, thin and dry; on the inside, tender. Here the cocoa has to taste like cocoa, not like colored sugar. With short espresso they go great.
What if we paired our coffee or tea break with a pretty chocolate macaron? It won't be easy, of course, but the result will be worth it! The challenge of this recipe lies in achieving smooth shells and the characteristic feet on your macarons. [This...
2. Bordeaux canelés
The canelé comes with a dual personality: on the outside, caramelized, almost crunchy; on the inside, a moist crumb that smells of vanilla and rum without being cloying. Tip: Don't cut it, bite it.
Who never heard of Bordeaux, this french city known all around the worl for its wine ? Yet, there is another Bordeaux specialty that no one heard about, and that's wrong, the Canelés. Crunchy outside, and moist inside, you will love these tasty french...
3 Financiers
Financiers are a decent excuse to eat hazelnut butter without explanation. Small, golden, with a juicy crumb and toasted nut flavor. The raspberry comes in to cut the sweetness with an acid hit and leave you wanting another one. They are the kind that soak well without falling apart at the first bite.
There are some dessert classics we’ll never tire of, and financiers are one of them! Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, these little treats made with ground almonds are sure to win you over. Served with a coconut macaroon, a chocolate mousse...
While putting together our last gourmet coffee-and-dessert spread, we felt like making financiers. And we can assure you, we devoured these little almond-flour cakes in no time. To add even more flavor, we added raspberries too ;-) You can try them...
You may know classic financiers, but have you tried the tiger-striped version? Just as tender, these are filled with chocolate chips and ganache for an extra-indulgent treat, perfect with tea or coffee after a meal. Follow our step-by-step instructions...
4. Chouquettes
Chouquettes are choux in the "I'll eat it without thinking" version: light balls with pearl sugar that crunch and stick to your finger to let you know you've already eaten one. They are not cloying because inside they are very airy and delicate. With hot chocolate they are a small sin; with coffee, an elegant vice.
Chouquettes! If you’re not familiar with them, they’re made with the same dough as profiteroles, but they’re unfilled and topped with pearl sugar. A delicious little treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee :)
5. Madeleine
An icon of French fine pastry, the madeleine combines a soft crumb, delicate golden brown and buttery aroma. Simple in appearance, impeccable when just right. They are eaten warm and preferably with a hot drink. If they are in a box, do not leave them in sight. People are fast.
Soft and slightly domed , madeleines are a treat at any time of day. These traditional French mini cakes , recognizable by their characteristic shell shape, are a real treat for the taste buds. This easy recipe is sure to take you back to childhood...
White, milk or dark, the crisp of the chocolate mixed with moist madeleines won't let you indifferent !
Already in love with madeleines? Then combining them with vanilla and chocolate will make your snack time wonderful! Do you also love their soft and irresistibly indulgent side? Try this version that will melt the hearts of the whole family with our...
6.Chocolate spritz cookies (tea cookies)
The spritz are traditional tea biscuits: butter, fine texture and that curly shape that looks like a display case. The good thing is that they melt without turning to dust and the chocolate puts the finishing touch: just the right bitterness, zero cloying. Perfect for dipping for two seconds and taking them out in time. Warning: they are "one more". If you want to get to the end of the table with stock, manage.
Would you like some extra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies for an afternoon snack? Try our homemade spritz cookies! This recipe will take you straight back to childhood. Since we couldn't decide which version to make, we decided to make...
7. Viennese chocolate cookies
The chocolate viennoiseries are delicate, but not silly: they melt in your mouth and leave a buttery and cocoa taste. The good ones don't taste like "packet cookies", they taste like baked goods and a well-assembled snack. They are great with black tea, and also with coffee. If they come in a tin, it's a bad idea to leave them open: the hand goes in by itself. Practical tip: close and hide.
Looking for small, crisp, light shortbread cookies? This recipe for cocoa Viennese cookies is for you! Easy to make, this recipe, tested and approved by our team, is perfect for a snack or dessert. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk :-)...
8. Diamond spiral cookies
These are the ones that give presence on the plate without the need for frills: sugared rim that shines, sablé crumb that breaks cleanly and a spiral that seems whimsical but changes flavor with each bite. Butter up front, controlled sweetness and "this is well done" texture. They work wonderfully with long coffee. And yes: they split a lot... unless you eat them standing up.
Craving something sweet? Treat yourself to our spiral-shaped diamond shortbread cookies :-) This super-easy recipe requires just 3 ingredients: shortbread dough, white sugar and brown sugar. Have fun making these pretty spirals with the kids at snack...
9. Homemade speculaas, cinnamon cookies
Speculaas is not just cinnamon: it's that old-fashioned pantry scent (cloves, ginger, nutmeg) that hits you before the cookie does. Thin, toasted and with a nice crunch. To place them quickly: Lotus Biscoff style, but you're the boss at home. If you want more aroma without adding sugar, a pinch of salt and orange zest. With rooibos, they are great.
Speculoos are perfect for accompanying your coffee or tea, but homemade speculoos are even better! These easy, crunchy cookies have a delicate cinnamon aroma that is irresistible, right? And they are foolproof thanks to our step-by-step recipe below!...
10. Amaretti (Italian almond cookies)
Amaretti are for those who know that almonds rule. They are dry and slightly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and with that slightly bitter touch that avoids cloying. They do not seek to be soft: they seek to have character. They go great with coffee and even better with an after-dinner liqueur, if the table is lively. They are small, but they are noticeable.
Looking for cookies to enjoy with your coffee? Head to Italy with this amaretti recipe :-) Plus, you’ll only need 4 ingredients to make these crunchy little treats! Who could ask for more? Here are the steps for our amaretti just below ↓
11. Meringue cookies
Meringues are sugar with a trick: airy, light and with that "crack" that melts in no time. The good ones don't stick to your teeth and don't leave your mouth mushy; they break and disappear, as if they don't count... until you count how many have fallen. They are good for snacking between buttery bites. With black coffee, perfect contrast.
Do you have leftover egg whites? Don't throw them away! Instead, make delicious little meringues :-) An ideal recipe for reducing waste and perfect for accompanying your tea or coffee. With just 2 ingredients, follow our easy step-by-step recipe below ↓
12. Coconut brigadeiro truffles
The coconut brigadeiro is the Brazilian truffle that makes itself comfortable: dense, creamy, sweet without overdoing it if it is well done, and with coconut that gives texture and aroma. It is not for eating in a hurry; it is for biting into and letting it melt a little. With strong coffee it balances deliciously.
Craving sunshine and something sweet for snack time? Travel to Brazil with this recipe for coconut brigadeiros! Naturally gluten-free, you'll only need 3 ingredients to make these delightful treats. A perfect idea for enjoying coffee with a sweet treat...
Patricia González
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