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Perfect Mini Graduation Cap Brownies Recipe with Elegant Gold Dust

mini graduation cap brownies - featured image

These mini graduation cap brownies are quick, easy, and elegant treats perfect for graduation celebrations. They feature a fudgy texture with a subtle shimmer of edible gold dust for a festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Edible gold dust, a small amount
  • Black fondant or black chocolate melts, for graduation cap tops
  • Wooden toothpicks or thin straws, cut into small pieces for tassels

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  7. Cool the brownies completely on a cooling rack, about 1-2 hours.
  8. Cut the brownies into 1.5-inch (4 cm) mini squares using a sharp knife.
  9. Roll out black fondant thinly or melt black candy melts and spread into small squares on parchment to harden. Place one square on top of each brownie.
  10. Insert a tiny piece of toothpick or thin straw at an angle on the side of each cap for the tassel.
  11. Lightly dust the tops with edible gold dust using a soft brush.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep brownies fudgy. Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Sift dry ingredients for lightness. Use a warm knife dipped in hot water and dried between cuts for clean edges. Apply gold dust lightly in layers for an elegant shimmer. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini brownies, graduation treats, fudgy brownies, gold dust brownies, party desserts, easy brownies, chocolate brownies