Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Highlighted under: Oven Recipes

When it comes to desserts, I absolutely adore brownies, especially when they’re packed with rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. I find that the combination of these lush ingredients creates a symphony of flavor that’s utterly irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist, fudgy texture I strive for. Whether I'm baking for a special occasion or simply indulging myself, these Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies never disappoint. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book!

Created by

Wendy Ashbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:37:35.737Z

As I embarked on this brownie adventure, I experimented with varying amounts of cocoa powder and hazelnut spread. Finally, I settled on the perfect balance that results in a luscious, moist brownie that melts in your mouth. My secret? Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before baking enhances the texture significantly and allows the flavors to deepen.

My friends and family can’t get enough of these brownies! The hazelnuts provide a delightful crunch that complements the gooey chocolate, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these brownies are an absolute crowd-pleaser that I often bring to gatherings!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo

      

Understanding the Ingredients

In this Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies recipe, the combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and melted butter creates a rich foundation that is absolutely vital for achieving that classic fudgy texture. The higher fat content from the butter enhances the brownies' moistness while contributing to their luxurious taste. Using high-quality cocoa powder can significantly elevate your brownies, delivering a deeper chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the nuttiness of the hazelnuts.

Eggs are a key player in brownie recipes, providing both structure and moisture. In this recipe, the four large eggs introduce stability while allowing the brownies to rise and maintain a soft, fudgy center. Be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing, as this encourages better emulsification with the melted butter, resulting in a smoother batter.

Baking Techniques for Perfection

For the best results, don’t skip greasing your baking pan. You can use butter or parchment paper, which aids in easy removal of the brownies and prevents any sticking. I recommend using parchment paper that hangs slightly over the edges of the pan; this allows you to lift the brownies out easily once they’ve cooled. Keep a close eye on the baking time; it can vary between ovens, so check around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick.

After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it helps set the structure, yielding cleaner cuts and avoiding a gooey mess. If you're giving these brownies as gifts or serving them for a party, allowing them to cool completely before slicing will also enhance their presentation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create these delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create an incredible treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your brownies to perfection:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix butter and sugar

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix until well combined.

Add eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating well until fully incorporated.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in hazelnuts

Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and the chocolate hazelnut spread.

Pour and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Now you have an irresistible batch of Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies to savor!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the brownies right after they come out of the oven for enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For an elegant touch, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving alongside fresh berries. The contrast of textures and temperatures will create a memorable dessert experience for your guests.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with toppings such as chopped hazelnuts, sea salt, or even a sprinkle of espresso powder mixed into the brownie batter for an enhanced chocolate flavor. Each of these additions adds unique flavor profiles that can complement the original recipe beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once cooled, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator, where they will last about a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just be sure to slice them before freezing to enjoy a quick treat later—no need to thaw the whole batch!

For those interested in baking in advance, the brownie batter can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow the batter to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into your prepared pan. This practice helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture without compromising flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans for a different twist.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What can I serve with the brownies?

These brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.