If you’re hunting for a decadent, fudgy treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine rich, chocolatey goodness swirling with the creamy, nutty flavor of Nutella, all baked into perfectly tender brownies that strike the ideal balance between dense and gooey. This recipe is straightforward enough for everyday baking yet impressively indulgent for sharing at gatherings or spoiling yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making magic in your oven. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing out the chocolatey depth, fudgy texture, and that signature Nutella swirl we all adore in this Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (melted): Adds richness and moisture to create a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the brownies and helps set their fudgy texture.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Nutella, 1/2 cup: The star ingredient; it infuses the brownies with a luscious hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor profile and deepens the chocolate notes.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Provides just enough structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Brings a rich, intense chocolate flavor and dark color.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Adds melty pockets of chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Chopped hazelnuts, 1/4 cup (optional): Introduces a delightful crunch and complements the Nutella perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture feels smooth and glossy. This step sets the stage for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps the batter emulsify nicely and creates that perfect chewy base we crave in brownies.
Step 4: Incorporate Nutella and Vanilla
Stir in the Nutella and vanilla extract until the batter is silky and uniform. This is where the brownies get their deep, nutty, chocolaty character.
Step 5: Sift Dry Ingredients and Fold Gently
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix — you want the batter just combined with no dry streaks to keep the brownies tender.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Hazelnuts
Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped hazelnuts. These bring delightful gooey and crunchy contrasts that make every bite exciting.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it for the perfect fudgy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This resting time helps them set up beautifully, making clean cuts a breeze.
How to Serve Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate to amp up the presentation. For an extra-special touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for crunch and flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these decadent brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. The contrast between warm, fudgy brownies and creamy, cool accompaniments is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by layering brownie squares with Nutella and mascarpone cheese in clear dessert cups for an elegant parfait, or cut them into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with fresh fruit for a delightful dessert kebab. The Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe is versatile and beautiful for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, though they tend to disappear before then!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap brownies individually or in layers separated by parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that freshly-baked gooeyness. You can also pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive their fudgy texture and melted chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella’s unique hazelnut-chocolate blend is part of what makes this recipe special, you can experiment with other chocolate spreads or even almond butter. The texture might vary slightly, but delicious brownies await nonetheless.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder on hand?
You can use unsweetened baking chocolate as an alternative by substituting 1 ounce of chocolate for 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and reducing the butter by 1 tablespoon. Just melt the chocolate with the butter before mixing.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
The classic Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter, use flax eggs or another egg replacer, and make sure to choose a dairy-free Nutella alternative. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic with these swaps.
How do I get extra gooey brownies?
For those who crave ultra-fudgy brownies, pull them out of the oven a bit earlier—around 22 to 24 minutes—then chill them completely before slicing. This lets the brownies set while keeping the interior delectably moist.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe is a joyful treat that never fails to satisfy chocolate cravings and impress friends and family. Its ease and flavor make it a true go-to dessert, perfect for any occasion or just a simple moment of sweet indulgence. Grab your ingredients and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Nutella Brownies, combining the creamy decadence of Nutella with classic chocolate brownie goodness. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of crunch from hazelnuts, these brownies are an easy-to-make dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth texture.
- Combine Nutella and vanilla: Stir in the Nutella and vanilla extract until fully blended into the batter, ensuring an even chocolate hazelnut flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts, if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Pour and spread batter: Pour the prepared batter into the lined or greased baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick near the center to check doneness— it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 equal squares to serve.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake and chill before slicing.
- Swirl additional Nutella on top of the batter before baking for a richer look and enhanced taste.
