Dive Into Decadence: Irresistible Hazelnut Brownies That Spark Joy

Unleashing the Joy of Baking: Your Guide to Incredible Hazelnut Brownies

Welcome to the delightful world of baking, where joy and flavor intertwine to create something truly special! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s bound to become your new favorite: hazelnut brownies. These rich and fudgy treats are not just desserts; they are an experience, packed with the warm, nutty flavor of roasted hazelnuts and the irresistible allure of chocolate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this guide will help you whip up something magical! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why these incredible hazelnut brownies will steal your heart:

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and toasted hazelnuts creates a flavor profile that is simply divine.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with step-by-step instructions that make baking a breeze.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a celebration or just a cozy night in, these brownies are perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
• Customizable: With various mix-ins and toppings, you can tailor these brownies to suit your taste!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake in advance and store for a quick dessert fix whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to create these hazelnut brownies:

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• 7-ounce package skinned and roasted hazelnuts (1¾ cups, divided): These are the star of the show, providing that signature nutty flavor. If you can’t find roasted hazelnuts, you can roast them yourself in the oven!
• 2 cups granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness, balancing the rich chocolate.
• 3 whole eggs: They help bind the ingredients together, creating a moist and fudgy texture.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds depth to the chocolate flavor.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: A hint of warmth that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor. If you prefer, you can skip this.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our brownies, giving them structure.
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks): Melted butter is key to achieving that rich, fudgy texture.
• 4 ounces Baker’s unsweetened chocolate: The heart of the brownies, lending intense chocolate flavor.
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness!
• ½ cup heavy cream: This makes the frosting incredibly smooth and creamy.
• 1 tablespoon butter: To enhance the texture of the frosting.
• ¾ cup Nutella: The ultimate hazelnut spread, adding richness and creaminess.
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar: For sweetening the frosting and giving it that perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring these ingredients together into a batch of brownie bliss!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Prepare a 9×9-inch pan by lining it with two sheets of folded aluminum foil, ensuring the handles stick up on all four sides. Spray the inside with kitchen pan spray for easy removal.
3. Place 1¼ cups of roasted peeled hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse a few times to break them up. Add the granulated sugar and process until the mixture resembles beach sand.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla to the food processor and pulse to combine.
5. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and Baker’s chocolate together in three 30-second bursts, stirring each time until fully melted and combined.
6. Mix the contents of the food processor into the melted chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at the 30-minute mark.
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then use the foil handles to transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then add the butter and espresso powder. Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir until smooth.
10. Mix in the Nutella and confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a creamy texture.
11. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
12. For the final touch, crush the remaining ½ cup of hazelnuts between a folded sheet of parchment paper using the bottom of a heavy pan, leaving some larger pieces. Sprinkle these on top of the frosted brownies.
13. Cut into 9 (3×3) or 12 (3×4) portions and serve. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies

Want to take your hazelnut brownies to the next level? Here are some expert insights:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and butter to room temperature ensures a smoother batter and better blending.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your brownies fudgy.
• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary; check your brownies a few minutes earlier than the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chunks, caramel swirls, or even dried fruit to customize your brownies.
• Store Properly: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for the best texture.
• Try Different Frostings: While Nutella frosting is divine, you can also experiment with cream cheese frosting or ganache.
• Utilize Leftovers: Crumble leftover brownies over ice cream for a delicious sundae!

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even the most seasoned bakers can run into a few hiccups. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Dry Brownies: This usually happens from overbaking. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and pull them when moist crumbs cling.
• Hard Edges: If your brownies have tough edges, the oven might be too hot. Consider adjusting the temperature down by 25 degrees F.
• Uneven Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
• Frosting Melting Off: Be sure to allow your brownies to cool completely before frosting them.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute the hazelnuts with chocolate chips or coconut for a nut-free treat.
• Mint Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies: Add peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Salted Caramel Hazelnut Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies before serving for a sweet and salty combo.
• Spicy Hazelnut Brownies: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising kick!

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to be prepared? Here’s how to store and make your brownies in advance:

• Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate brownies, but they may lose some of their fudgy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s address some common questions about hazelnut brownies:

• Can I use different nuts? Yes! You can swap hazelnuts for walnuts, pecans, or even almonds.
• What can I use instead of eggs? For a vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce.
• How can I make brownies more chocolatey? Add more chocolate chips or replace some of the flour with cocoa powder.
• Can I bake these in a different size pan? Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will require less baking time.
• What if my brownies are too gooey? They may need more baking time. Check for doneness and bake a few minutes longer if needed.
• How do I know when brownies are done? Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Can I add frosting on top? Absolutely! Frosting adds extra richness and flavor—try cream cheese or ganache!
• What’s the best way to cut brownies? Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations

Here’s how you can adapt this recipe for various dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Lower Sugar: Substitute some sugar with a sugar alternative such as stevia or monk fruit.

Recommended Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to successfully bake these brownies:

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for the perfect brownie size.
• Parchment paper: Great for lining the pan and easy removal.
• Food processor: For achieving that sandy texture of hazelnuts.
• Microwave-safe bowls: For melting chocolate and butter.
• Mixing spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together.

Serving Suggestions

How to take your brownie experience to the next level:

• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream.
• Add Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries adds freshness and color.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A sweet finish that complements the nutty flavor.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For a light and fluffy contrast to the fudgy brownies.

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to making incredible hazelnut brownies that are sure to spark joy in your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us at Snack Nova! Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so embrace the process and enjoy every delicious bite!

Print Pin

Hazelnut Brownies

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 420

Decadent and rich hazelnut brownies with a chocolate-hazelnut frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Hazelnuts

• 1.75 cups skinned and roasted hazelnuts (divided)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 sticks butter
• 4 ounces Baker’s unsweetened chocolate
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.5 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
• 0.75 cup Nutella (see Notes)
• 0.5 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch pan with foil and spray.
• Process 1¼ cups hazelnuts with sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, espresso, and flour; mix.
• Melt butter and chocolate in microwave, stir until smooth.
• Combine chocolate mixture with hazelnut mixture, pour into pan, and bake for 35 minutes.
• Cool, then prepare frosting by melting chocolate chips with cream, adding butter, espresso, Nutella, and sugar; spread over cooled brownies.
• Crush remaining hazelnuts, sprinkle on top, cut into portions, and serve.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle more chopped hazelnuts on top before serving.

Calories: 420kcal

Cost: $15

Course: Dessert

Keyword: chocolate, Hazelnuts