Nutella Brownies

Introduction

Indulge in the rich, velvety taste of Nutella, perfectly blended with the deep, dark flavors of chocolate in our decadent Nutella Brownies. This recipe is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. With their fudgy texture and intense chocolate-hazelnut flavor, they’re perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day of the week.

Why This Works

• The combination of Nutella and dark chocolate creates a flavor balance that is both familiar and exciting, making these brownies a hit with anyone who tries them.
• The recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
• The end result is a batch of brownies that look and taste like they were made by a professional, with a gorgeous, glossy top and a dense, fudgy interior, all achieved with minimal fuss and effort.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of Nutella
• 1 cup of chopped hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Dollop the Nutella over the batter, then pour the melted chocolate over the Nutella. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the top.
7. Step 7: If using hazelnuts, sprinkle them over the top of the brownies. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Handy Tips

• For a chewier texture, bake the brownies for 23-25 minutes. For a firmer texture, bake for 30-35 minutes.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense brownies.
• If you don’t have Nutella, you can make a substitute by blending together 1/2 cup of hazelnut spread with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Heat Control

When baking the brownies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The ideal internal temperature should be around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) when checked with a food thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet or covered in batter.

Crunch Factor

To achieve the perfect texture, these brownies should be fudgy and dense, with a slightly crispy top. The addition of hazelnuts provides a delightful crunch, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a smoother texture. To enhance the crunch, you can also sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the brownies before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the brownies cut cleanly, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• For an intense chocolate experience, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids.
• Consider using a water bath to bake the brownies, as this can help them cook more evenly and prevent the edges from becoming too dry.

Storage Tips

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• When storing, it’s best to keep the brownies away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their texture and flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These Nutella Brownies make a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or boxes lined with parchment paper or wax paper. You can also wrap individual brownies in cellophane or plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon for a more personalized touch. Add a handwritten note or a sprinkle of edible decorations to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Swap the hazelnuts for chopped almonds or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
• Add a pinch of sea salt or flaky salt on top of the brownies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.

Troubleshooting

• If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Try reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
• If the brownies are too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Next time, mix the ingredients just until combined.
• If you notice the brownies sinking in the center, it might be due to underbaking. Try baking them for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the brownies? Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Are the brownies gluten-free? No, the brownies contain all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of brownies. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

With these Nutella Brownies, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with a rich, decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. Remember to experiment with different flavor combinations and substitutions to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy baking, and enjoy every last crumb of these incredible Nutella Brownies!