Petits Fours

Ingredients

Unsalted butter

1 cup, softened

Granulated sugar

2 cups

Eggs

4

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

All-purpose flour

3 cups

Baking powder

1 tablespoon

Milk

1 cup

Powdered sugar

4 cups

Food coloring

few drops of various colors

Sprinkles

as needed for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Ensure to begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
9. Once cooled, cut the cake into small squares or rectangles.
10. In separate bowls, mix the powdered sugar with a few drops of various food coloring to create different colored glazes. If needed, add a few drops of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
11. Dip each petit four into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set.
12. While the glaze is still wet, decorate with sprinkles.
13. Allow the petits fours to dry completely before serving. Enjoy these beautiful, bite-sized pastries with a cup of tea or coffee.