Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Highlighted under: Daily Food
I absolutely love baking Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies, as they never fail to impress! The combination of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts creates an indulgent treat that is simply irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a batch that satisfies my chocolate cravings and delights my family and friends. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy night in or a special celebration. Trust me, once you taste these fudgy delights, you’ll be hooked!
When I first experimented with Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies, I knew I had struck gold. The synergy between creamy hazelnuts and decadent chocolate created an unforgettable taste. I quickly learned that to get that perfect fudgy texture, I needed to pay close attention to mixing the batter—just enough, but not too much!
Another trick that enhanced the flavor was to toast the hazelnuts beforehand. Not only does it elevate the nutty essence, but it also adds a crunchy delight that complements the soft brownie beautifully. Each bite is a heavenly mouthful of indulgence and nostalgia for my childhood days filled with baking.
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a personal treat
Key Techniques for Perfect Brownies
Achieving the ideal fudgy texture in these brownies boils down to careful mixing and baking. When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense, cake-like brownies. I recommend using a rubber spatula to fold in the hazelnuts and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
Baking time varies slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the brownies as they near the 25-minute mark. For a perfectly fudgy center, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not clean. This indicates the ideal balance between fudginess and doneness.
Ingredient Insights
The butter in this recipe plays a crucial role in providing moisture and richness. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your brownies, which can impact flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil as a substitute, but be mindful that it may impart a subtle coconut flavor to the final product.
Hazelnuts not only add crunch but also enhance the overall nutty flavor of the brownies. If hazelnuts are not to your taste or you’re looking for a substitution due to allergies, feel free to use walnuts or pecans. Just remember, toasting the nuts slightly beforehand brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to bring these brownies to life:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Once you have everything, you're ready to start baking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect brownies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Melt the Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then remove it from the heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix Everything Together
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Fold in hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy these delightful brownies warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled brownies before serving!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out, and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring the batter to room temperature before pouring it into the baking pan and baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top. For a touch of elegance, serve them alongside fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar; this contrast enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
If you're looking for a fun twist, consider adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel to the brownie batter before baking. This can create a delightful marbled effect and an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and hazelnuts.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would work well if you prefer a different nut.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute if needed.
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
I absolutely love baking Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies, as they never fail to impress! The combination of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts creates an indulgent treat that is simply irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a batch that satisfies my chocolate cravings and delights my family and friends. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy night in or a special celebration. Trust me, once you taste these fudgy delights, you’ll be hooked!
Created by: Dahlia Kensington
Recipe Type: Daily Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then remove it from the heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Fold in hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled brownies before serving!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g