BakeryDiary is a recipe curation and editorial platform. We research and curate recipes from public sources, considering ratings, reviews, comments, and feedback. We then refine and present them clearly for home cooks. We are committed to an ad-free, focused experience that makes discovering and preparing recipes easier.
These Hazelnut Brownies are a delicious combination of rich chocolate, toasted nuts, and creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Each square delivers a deep cocoa flavor balanced by the sweetness of white and brown sugar, while chopped hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
A generous swirl of Nutella across the top creates an irresistible finish that makes these brownies especially tempting for chocolate lovers.
The brownie batter starts with melted butter and dark chocolate, creating a rich foundation for the other ingredients.
Using both white and brown sugar contributes sweetness and depth, while eggs help give the brownies their characteristic dense, tender texture.
A measured amount of flour keeps the crumb rich rather than cake-like, and unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without relying entirely on melted chocolate.
Toasted hazelnuts are the star addition, bringing a warm, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Folding most of the nuts into the batter distributes their crunch throughout the brownies, while the remaining pieces provide an attractive topping.
The Nutella swirl adds another layer of chocolate-hazelnut flavor and gives the finished brownies an appealing marbled appearance.
These brownies are ideal for dessert platters, afternoon treats, celebrations, or whenever you want a homemade chocolate dessert that feels a little extra special.
They are baked until a toothpick emerges with moist crumbs, helping preserve their soft, fudgy center.
Allowing the brownies to cool before slicing also makes it easier to achieve neat squares without losing their delicate texture.
Whether served on their own or alongside a scoop of ice cream, these Hazelnut Brownies offer a satisfying mix of fudgy chocolate, creamy hazelnut spread, and crunchy toasted nuts in every piece.
Decadent Hazelnut Nutella Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C for a fan-assisted oven. Grease an 8 × 8-inch square baking pan and line it with baking paper, leaving enough paper to help lift the brownies out after baking.
- Melt the Butter: Place the butter in a large saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat until completely melted.
- Incorporate the Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir continuously over the heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the sugars to partially dissolve.
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted and no chocolate lumps remain. The mixture may look slightly grainy at this stage, which is normal.
- Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Set the saucepan aside for 10 minutes to allow the butter, sugar, and chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and table salt into the chocolate mixture. Switch to a silicone spatula and gently stir until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in the Hazelnuts: Add the chopped toasted hazelnuts to the batter, reserving a small handful for the topping. Fold gently until the nuts are distributed throughout.
- Fill the Baking Pan: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Spoon small dollops of Nutella over the surface, then use a knife to swirl the spread through the top of the batter.
- Add the Hazelnut Topping: Scatter the reserved chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella-swirled surface, distributing them as evenly as possible.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick or wooden skewer; it should emerge with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to preserve the brownies' fudgy texture.
- Cool in the Pan: Remove the brownies from the oven and leave them in the pan for 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows them to settle before being transferred.
- Transfer to a Cooling Rack: Use the overhanging baking paper to lift the brownies carefully out of the pan. Place them on a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool to room temperature or slightly above before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cooled brownies into 16 portions and serve. For the neatest slices, allow the brownies to cool sufficiently so their soft centers hold together when cut.
Notes
- Measure accurately: For the best results, weigh the flour and sugars using a kitchen scale whenever possible. If weighing is not an option, use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the container.
- Choose the right chocolate: Use dark chocolate containing 45–60% cocoa, as specified in the recipe, for a balanced chocolate flavor.
- Use room-temperature eggs: Let the eggs reach room temperature before mixing them into the chocolate mixture to help the ingredients combine smoothly.
- Toast the hazelnuts: Use toasted hazelnuts for the intended nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Chop them in half before adding them to the batter.
- Expect a slightly grainy mixture: The melted butter, sugar, and chocolate mixture may look grainy before the eggs are added. This is normal.
- Create an attractive swirl: Distribute small dollops of Nutella over the batter, then gently swirl them with a knife without mixing them completely into the chocolate.
- Check for doneness carefully: The toothpick or skewer should come out with moist crumbs attached rather than completely clean. Avoid overbaking the brownies.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature or slightly above before cutting them into 16 portions.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container to help preserve their texture and flavor.
Chef’s Secret
For exceptionally fudgy Hazelnut Brownies, pay close attention to the baking point rather than relying on the timer alone.
Begin checking the brownies around the 35-minute mark, keeping in mind that the recipe calls for approximately 40 minutes of baking.
Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center; you want to see moist crumbs clinging to it, not a completely clean pick.
The center should not be treated like a fully baked cake, because continued baking can leave the brownies dry instead of soft and dense.
Another useful detail is to reserve some chopped toasted hazelnuts for the surface rather than folding every piece into the batter.
Combined with the Nutella swirl, this creates a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate interior.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hazelnut Brownies slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy their rich chocolate flavor and soft, fudgy texture.
For a classic dessert, pair a brownie square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the cool creaminess to complement the dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts.
A spoonful of lightly whipped cream also makes a lovely accompaniment without overwhelming the sweetness.
For an elegant presentation, add a light dusting of cocoa powder and a few finely chopped hazelnuts just before serving.
You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate over each square for an extra-decadent finish.
For an afternoon snack, enjoy a brownie with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or unsweetened tea.
When serving guests, arrange the 16 squares on a platter so the Nutella swirls and hazelnut topping remain visible.
Conclusion
These Hazelnut Brownies bring together everything that makes a chocolate dessert irresistible: a rich, fudgy center, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and a creamy Nutella swirl.
The straightforward preparation and simple ingredients make them a wonderful homemade treat for everyday indulgence or special occasions.
Follow the baking cues carefully, avoid overbaking, and allow the brownies to cool before slicing for the best texture.
Cut into 16 squares, they are ready to share with family and friends—or enjoy one whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
