Rich, fudgy, and decadent, Hazelnut Brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion.
These brownies have the deep, intense chocolate flavor you crave, paired with the crunchy, nutty goodness of hazelnuts.
If you love a dessert that combines smooth textures and rich flavors, this is the recipe for you!
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or entertaining guests, these brownies are sure to impress.
With the option to customize them to your taste, you’ll enjoy making them over and over again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: These hazelnut brownies are super easy to make, with basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry. They're perfect for a quick, indulgent dessert or treat.
- Bursting with Flavor: The brownies are packed with crunchy hazelnuts, which add a delicious nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
- Rich and Fudgy Texture: With their dense, fudgy consistency, these brownies melt in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover.
- Customizable: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt, a drizzle of caramel, or even some dark chocolate chunks to elevate the flavor and make the brownies your own.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for sharing at gatherings, parties, or family events and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Family-Friendly: The delicious combination of chocolate and hazelnuts makes these brownies a treat that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips (for added richness)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This will ensure the brownies come out cleanly without sticking to the pan.
- Melt the Butter and Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can melt them over a double boiler or in the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Once the mixture is smooth and fully melted, allow it to cool slightly.
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugars:
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This will create a fluffy base for the batter. It’s important to whisk thoroughly to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated with the sugar, which helps give the brownies their signature fudgy texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly pour the melted butter and chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, whisking continuously to combine. Once combined, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy.
- Fold in the Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter. Hazelnuts add a rich nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, while chocolate chips enhance the chocolatey richness.
- Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. For fudgier brownies, start checking at the 28-minute mark, and for cakier brownies, let them bake a bit longer.
- Cool and Slice:
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from falling apart while slicing. Once completely cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
The recipe makes around 12-16 brownies, depending on the size you cut them. Each serving is rich and decadent, and the brownies should satisfy any chocolate craving. They can be stored for a few days, making them perfect for snacking, gatherings, or a delicious after-dinner treat.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option:
For those who prefer their brownies without nuts, you can easily skip the hazelnuts. To add extra richness, consider adding more chocolate chips, or try adding a swirl of caramel or Nutella for added flavor and texture.
- Hazelnut Spread:
For a more intense hazelnut flavor, try swirling in a tablespoon or two of Nutella or another hazelnut spread into the brownie batter before baking. The creamy, hazelnut-packed swirl will add a delicious surprise bite in every square.
- Gluten-Free Option:
If you need a gluten-free version of these brownies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Salted Caramel Brownies:
Add a drizzle of salted caramel on top of the brownies before baking for a sweet and salty twist. You can either make your own salted caramel sauce or use store-bought for convenience. The salty-sweet contrast with the chocolate will elevate the flavors of the brownies.
- Vegan Version:
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate. These small changes will still result in rich, fudgy brownies with a nutty crunch.
Storage And Serving Ideas
Storage:
To keep your hazelnut brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Serving Ideas:
For a delicious and indulgent treat, serve your hazelnut brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top, creating the perfect contrast between the warm, fudgy brownie and cold, creamy ice cream.
If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a soft, airy touch to the rich, nutty brownies.
For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can elevate the brownies even further, adding a silky sweetness that complements their deep flavor.
Additionally, pairing the brownies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk makes for the ideal dessert combination, bringing out the best in both the brownies and the drink.
These serving ideas are sure to make your hazelnut brownies even more delightful!
Tips for Success
- Toast the Hazelnuts: For extra flavor, toast the hazelnuts before adding them to the batter. Simply place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. This step enhances their nutty aroma and adds a deeper flavor to the brownies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and ensuring even baking.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, dry brownies, so be gentle and keep the batter slightly lumpy.
- Check for Doneness: To avoid overbaking, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time ends. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up, making it easier to cut neat squares without them falling apart.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a little extra depth, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. The coffee flavor enhances the chocolate and hazelnuts without making the brownies taste like coffee.
- Serve Warm: If you want a melt-in-your-mouth experience, serve the brownies slightly warm, especially when paired with ice cream or whipped cream. This will make the dessert even more irresistible.
FAQs
Yes! Feel free to swap hazelnuts for walnuts, almonds, or pecans if you prefer. Each type of nut will give the brownies a different flavor, so feel free to get creative.
If you prefer fudgier brownies, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Start checking at 28 minutes for a slightly underdone center, which will result in a denser, chewier texture.
Yes! These brownies can be made a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the freshest taste.
Absolutely! If you’re a true chocolate lover, increase the amount of chocolate chips or melt additional chocolate into the batter. You can even top the brownies with extra chocolate chips before baking for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Hazelnut Brownies offer the perfect blend of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a decadent dessert that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee, or giving them as a gift, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try them today and indulge in this irresistible treat!
Hazelnut Brownies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra hazelnuts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Make Ahead: These hazelnut brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add a bit of espresso powder for a mocha twist or swirl in some Nutella for an extra hazelnut flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If dairy-free, swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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