Indulge in rich, fudgy chocolate hazelnut brownies that are irresistibly gooey and swirled with creamy Nutella.
Packed with protein from eggs and fiber from hazelnuts, these brownies offer a satisfying treat with a boost of healthy fats.
Quick and simple to prepare, they’re perfect for everyday baking or a last-minute dessert craving.
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Microwave-safe bowl, medium
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Butter knife (for swirling)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into chunks
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup toasted hazelnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Make sure every corner and edge is coated to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside on a flat surface while you prepare the brownie batter.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the unsalted butter and finely chopped unsweetened chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, with no lumps. Take care not to overheat, as chocolate can seize. Allow this mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes, so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture, add the two large eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then add the granulated sugar and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step ensures the brownies will have a tender, moist texture and helps incorporate air for a light yet fudgy consistency.
- Add Vanilla and Leavening: Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined. This step ensures your brownies have a well-rounded flavor and a balanced rise during baking.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually fold in the 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour using a spatula or spoon. Mix only until the streaks of flour disappear, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the brownies dense and dry, so aim for a just-combined, silky batter.
- Fold in Hazelnuts: Add the 3/4 cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts to the batter and fold gently until evenly distributed. Toasting the hazelnuts beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch that perfectly contrasts with the fudgy chocolate.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the prepared batter into your greased or parchment-lined 8-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring it’s level for uniform baking. The even surface helps the Nutella swirl stand out beautifully and allows the brownies to bake consistently.
- Add Nutella Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of 1/2 cup Nutella over the top of the brownie batter. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter in a marbled pattern. Avoid overmixing—light, loose swirls create a visually appealing pattern and pockets of rich, gooey chocolate in each bite.
- Bake Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should appear set, slightly shiny, and firm to the touch, while the center remains fudgy. A toothpick inserted in the center may come out with a few moist crumbs, which is perfect for a gooey brownie. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, decadent texture.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. Cooling ensures the Nutella swirl sets slightly and the brownies hold their shape, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, cut the brownies into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife. Serve them as a standalone dessert, with a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These brownies are perfect for everyday indulgence or special occasions, offering a rich chocolate-hazelnut experience in every bite.
Notes
- If you only have salted butter, simply omit the additional salt. This will slightly enhance the sweet-salty balance, giving your brownies a subtle savory kick.
- Unsweetened chocolate provides the richest, most decadent flavor, but you can substitute dark or semi-sweet chocolate if needed. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
- Nutella swirls are optional, but they add gooey pockets of chocolate-hazelnut flavor and a beautiful marbled effect.
- Toasting hazelnuts before adding them enhances their natural nutty aroma and crunch.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour—overmixing can make brownies dense rather than fudgy.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Brownies
For brownies that are fudgy, rich, and visually stunning, small steps make a big difference.
First, slightly cool the melted chocolate and butter before adding eggs; this prevents curdling and keeps the batter smooth.
When folding in the flour, do so gently to maintain airiness, which gives a tender bite.
Swirling Nutella on top should be done lightly—over-swirl can blend it completely, losing the signature marbled look.
Toast hazelnuts to deepen flavor and avoid soggy textures.
Finally, resist cutting brownies while warm; allowing them to cool ensures clean slices and preserves gooey pockets of Nutella.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
Chocolate hazelnut brownies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
They also pair well with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce, which cuts through the richness with a touch of tartness.
For coffee lovers, a cup of freshly brewed espresso or latte complements the chocolate-hazelnut flavors perfectly.
Individually wrapped, these brownies make delightful homemade gifts or lunchbox treats.
Storage Tips To Keep Brownies Fresh
To maintain their fudgy texture, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day.
For longer storage, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to four days, which also slightly firms the brownies for easier slicing.
For extended storage, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container; they will stay fresh for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for that freshly-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different chocolate instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can substitute dark or semi-sweet chocolate. The flavor will be slightly less intense, but the brownies will still be rich and fudgy.
2. Is it necessary to toast the hazelnuts?
Toasting enhances flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. Raw hazelnuts will work but will taste milder and may make the texture slightly softer.
3. Can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes, such as flax eggs.
Nutella can be replaced with a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread to maintain similar flavor.
4. How do I get clean brownie slices?
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing.
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for neat squares. Slightly chilled brownies slice more cleanly as well.
5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The batter can be made and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
Baked brownies also keep well and can be frozen for later enjoyment, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions.
