Hazelnut Brownies Recipe

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Are you ready to discover the most incredible Hazelnut Brownies Recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like heaven and your taste buds dancing with joy? I've been perfecting this hazelnut brownies recipe for years, and trust me when I say these aren't your ordinary brownies.

What makes this hazelnut brownies recipe so special? It's the perfect marriage of rich, fudgy chocolate and toasted hazelnuts that creates an absolutely divine dessert texture. This hazelnut brownies recipe delivers that bakery-quality taste right from your home oven, and the best part? It's surprisingly simple to master!

Why This Hazelnut Brownies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

This isn't just another chocolate dessert ; it's a game-changer that transforms ordinary baking into something extraordinary. I've tested countless variations, and this hazelnut brownies recipe consistently delivers that perfect balance of chewy edges and gooey center that makes everyone ask for seconds. The secret lies in the precise ratio of cocoa to hazelnuts, creating those signature fudgy hazelnut brownies that rival any high-end bakery.

What sets this hazelnut brownies recipe apart is its versatility and foolproof method. Whether you're a beginner baker or someone with years of experience, these brownies with nuts turn out perfectly every time. The combination of melted chocolate and toasted hazelnuts creates layers of flavor that make each bite more satisfying than the last.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings: More Irresistible Treats to Try
• Related
• Pairing
• Hazelnut Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs, room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt

Hazelnut Components

• Raw hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• Nutella (optional but recommended)
• Hazelnut oil or melted butter

Optional Flavor Boosters

• Flaky sea salt for topping
• Espresso powder (intensifies chocolate flavor)
• Mini chocolate chips

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Pan and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
3. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray
4. Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden

Create the Chocolate Base

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chopped dark chocolate
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth
3. Whisk in sugar until well combined and slightly glossy
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next
5. Stir in vanilla extract and espresso powder if using

Combine Dry Ingredients and Hazelnuts

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt
2. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the chocolate base using a wooden spoon
3. Gently fold in toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips if using
4. If using Nutella, swirl it through the batter with a knife for marbled effect

Bake to Perfection

1. Cool completely in pan before cutting into squares
2. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with an offset spatula
3. Sprinkle remaining hazelnuts on top, pressing gently into surface
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from edge comes out with few moist crumbs

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature Control Secrets

• The key to perfect fudgy hazelnut brownies lies in precise temperature management. Never overbake your hazelnut brownies recipe ; the center should still be slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. The residual heat will finish the cooking process, ensuring that gooey texture everyone craves.

Ingredient Quality Matters

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for rich flavor depth
• Toast your hazelnuts until they're aromatic but not burnt ; this intensifies their nutty flavor
• Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter texture

Professional Mixing Techniques

• Don't overmix once you add the flour ; this can lead to tough, cakey brownies
• Fold ingredients gently to maintain that dense, fudgy consistency
• Let your chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling

Storage and Serving Tips

• Cut brownies only after they've completely cooled for clean, sharp edges
• Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for professional-looking squares
• Store covered at room temperature for up to one week

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

• Transform this classic into a treat everyone can enjoy. For gluten-free hazelnut brownies, substitute almond flour for regular flour using a 1:1 ratio. The texture remains incredibly fudgy while accommodating gluten sensitivities. Vegan hazelnut brownies work beautifully by replacing eggs with flax eggs and using coconut oil instead of butter.

Flavor Variations

• Create exciting twists on the traditional recipe. Nutella brownies enthusiasts can double the Nutella content and reduce sugar slightly. For chocolate hazelnut cake texture, add an extra egg and reduce baking time by 5 minutes. Dark chocolate hazelnut brownies benefit from using 85% cocoa chocolate and adding a pinch of cinnamon.

Nut Substitutions

• While hazelnuts are irreplaceable for authentic flavor, almonds or walnuts work as substitutes. Chopped pecans create a Southern-style twist, while pistachios offer an elegant, colorful variation. For nut allergies, sunflower seeds provide similar crunch without compromising the recipe's integrity.

Equipment Recommendations

• Essential tools make this hazelnut brownies recipe foolproof. A heavy-bottom saucepan prevents chocolate from scorching during melting. Digital kitchen scale ensures precise measurements for consistent results. Offset spatula creates perfectly even batter distribution. Sharp chef's knife produces clean cuts through cooled brownies. Parchment paper simplifies removal and cleanup significantly.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

• Store finished brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer parchment paper between stacked pieces to prevent sticking. Properly stored hazelnut brownies recipe results maintain their fudgy texture and rich flavor throughout the storage period.

Long-Term Freezing

• Individually wrap cooled brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen brownies keep for up to three months while maintaining quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator or at room temperature for two hours before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare batter up to two days in advance and refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature before baking for even cooking. Baked brownies actually improve in flavor after 24 hours as ingredients meld together beautifully.

FAQ

Sweet Endings: More Irresistible Treats to Try

Now that you've mastered this incredible hazelnut brownies recipe, your baking journey doesn't have to end here. The techniques you've learned translate perfectly to other decadent desserts that will expand your repertoire. This hazelnut brownies recipe represents just the beginning of creating bakery-quality treats at home.

Consider trying our Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe next ; it uses similar mixing methods but creates a completely different flavor profile with brown butter and vanilla. The Almond Butter Fudge Recipe offers another rich, nutty experience that complements the skills you've developed making this hazelnut brownies recipe. Both recipes share the same attention to texture and ingredient quality that makes this hazelnut brownies recipe so special.

Happy Baking!
By Lisa Johnson💖

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