Ultimate Nutella® Brownies: Decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Treats for Every Occasion

For chocolate lovers, the quest for new and exciting ways to indulge in their favorite treat is a never-ending journey. If you’ve been searching for a dessert that truly transcends the ordinary, then look no further. These Nutella® Brownies are not just a recipe; they are a ticket to chocolate paradise. By taking the classic, beloved brownie and infusing it with the irresistible creamy, nutty goodness of Nutella®, we create an unparalleled taste experience. Forget traditional baking chocolate for a moment, and embrace the magic of hazelnut chocolate spread transformed into a batch of rich, fudgy, and absolutely guaranteed-to-please brownies. Get ready to elevate your dessert game and satisfy those deep chocolate cravings like never before!

Nutella® Brownies

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These Nutella® brownies are a uniquely flavorful twist on a classic dessert, offering a delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut. This recipe is designed for ease, bringing together simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying treat. You’ll start by melting butter with hazelnut liqueur and Nutella®, creating a luscious base. Dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder are whisked separately, then combined with a mixture of sugars, eggs, and vanilla. This method ensures a perfectly moist and fudgy texture every time, with the signature hazelnut flavor permeating throughout. It’s a quick and rewarding way to create impressive homemade brownies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients before you start is key to a smooth baking process. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these heavenly Nutella® brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico®)
1/4 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella®), or more to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly fudgy and incredibly delicious Nutella® brownies:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. The parchment paper method makes lifting the cooled brownies out of the pan much easier for clean cuts.
Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico®), and 1/4 cup of chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella®). Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat until the mixture starts to gently bubble, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The goal is to fully melt the butter and combine all ingredients into a smooth, fragrant liquid. Once bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour (make sure it’s sifted for a smoother batter), 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of flour or salt in your finished brownies.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Batters. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the 2/3 cup of white sugar, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light in color, which indicates that the sugars have mostly dissolved and the eggs are well incorporated. Slowly pour the slightly cooled butter-Nutella® mixture into the egg mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until smooth. Next, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir gently, just until the batter is combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. If you’re using them, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Finally, pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared 8-inch square pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when the top appears dry and set, and the edges have slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter (clean for cakey, moist crumbs for fudgy). Avoid overbaking, as this is the secret to fudgy brownies! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before attempting to cut them. This cooling time is crucial for the brownies to set properly, resulting in perfectly fudgy, neat squares.

Why These Nutella® Brownies Are a Must-Try

Beyond simply satisfying a chocolate craving, these Nutella® brownies offer a unique experience. The addition of hazelnut liqueur, though optional, elevates the flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth and depth that complements the Nutella® beautifully. This recipe creates a brownie that is not just sweet, but also complex, with layers of rich cocoa and nutty goodness. They strike the perfect balance between fudgy and chewy, making every bite an unforgettable moment. Plus, the process is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels, promising a rewarding experience from mixing bowl to first bite.

Tips for Perfect Nutella® Brownies Every Time

Achieving brownie perfection is easier than you think with a few simple tips:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Watch the Baking Time Closely: Brownies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry and crumbly in a matter of minutes. Start checking at the 20-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean (which indicates overbaking for fudgy brownies). The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the pan.
Cool Completely: This is arguably the most important step for fudgy brownies. It’s tempting to cut into them while warm, but allowing them to cool completely (at least 2 hours, or even overnight) lets them set properly, intensifies their flavor, and makes for cleaner cuts.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since Nutella® is a star ingredient, using a good quality butter, cocoa powder, and fresh eggs will significantly impact the final taste and texture of your brownies.
Pan Size: Sticking to an 8-inch square pan is important for the specified baking time and thickness. If you use a larger pan, the brownies will be thinner and bake faster; a smaller pan will result in thicker brownies requiring more baking time.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

While these Nutella® brownies are fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize them:

Extra Chocolate Chips: If you’re a serious chocoholic, increase the amount of semisweet chocolate chips, or try milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for different flavor nuances.
Nutty Additions: Enhance the hazelnut theme by folding in chopped toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans into the batter for an extra crunch.
Coffee Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Swirl Top: After pouring the batter into the pan, dollop extra Nutella® on top and use a skewer or knife to swirl it through the batter for a beautiful marble effect.
Sea Salt Finish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the brownies just before baking can beautifully contrast and enhance the sweet chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For an even richer brownie, prepare a simple cream cheese frosting (softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla) and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella® Brownies

Q: How can I ensure my brownies are fudgy and not cakey?

A: The key to fudgy brownies is to avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added and to be careful not to overbake them. Overmixing develops gluten, which creates a lighter, cake-like texture. For fudgy brownies, stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Also, take them out of the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. Allowing them to cool completely in the pan also helps them set into a dense, fudgy consistency.

Q: Can I make these brownies without hazelnut liqueur?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol or don’t have hazelnut liqueur on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of milk (whole milk or almond milk works well), or even strong brewed coffee for an enhanced chocolate flavor. The liqueur adds a subtle depth, but the brownies will still be delicious and full of Nutella® flavor without it.

Q: How do I store Nutella® brownies?

A: Once cooled, store your Nutella® brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerating, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze these brownies?

A: Yes, Nutella® brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or warm gently in the microwave before enjoying.

Q: What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

A: No problem! You can definitely make these brownies by hand. Just ensure you have a sturdy whisk for combining the wet and dry ingredients. You’ll need to beat the sugars, eggs, and vanilla vigorously by hand until they are light and creamy, which might take a bit more effort but is entirely doable. The rest of the mixing can be done with a spatula or wooden spoon, again being careful not to overmix.

Serving Suggestions for Your Decadent Brownies

These Nutella® brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Classic Treat: Serve them simply as they are, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar.
À la Mode: Warm a brownie slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the ice cream to slowly melt into the rich chocolate. A drizzle of extra Nutella® or chocolate sauce would make it even more indulgent.
Coffee Break Companion: Pair a square with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk.
Dessert Platter: Cut into smaller bites and arrange on a dessert platter with fresh berries, whipped cream, or other small pastries for a party.
Gift Idea: Wrap a few brownies in decorative parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that any chocolate lover will appreciate.

Indulge in the Unforgettable Flavor of Nutella® Brownies

This delicious Nutella® brownie recipe is sure to have you coming back for more. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, deeply cocoa-rich, and infused with that unmistakable hazelnut kick from Nutella® that makes every single bite all the more unforgettable. These ooey-gooey, fudgy brownies are a treat that comes together quickly in your kitchen, and with all that sensational Nutella® flavor, they will disappear from the plate just as rapidly! Whether it’s for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, these Nutella® brownies promise a delightful culinary experience that will leave everyone craving another piece. Don’t hesitate to dive into this edible masterpiece – your taste buds will thank you!