Name: Hazelnut Brownies: The Ultimate Recipe for Fudgy Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16-24 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Hazelnut brownies, a symphony of nutty richness and chocolate decadence, are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Forget everything you thought you knew about brownies; this recipe elevates the classic treat to a whole new level of sophisticated deliciousness. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie, studded with the delightful crunch and warm, earthy flavor of toasted hazelnuts.

Brownies, in their simplest form, have been a beloved American staple since the late 19th century. But the addition of hazelnuts? That's where the magic truly happens. Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, have a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations. They were prized by the Romans and Greeks for their nutritional value and distinct flavor. Bringing them into the brownie world is a match made in culinary heaven!

People adore hazelnut brownies for their complex flavor profile and satisfying texture. The bitterness of dark chocolate is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the brownie base, while the hazelnuts provide a delightful textural contrast and a nutty aroma that is simply irresistible. They're easy to make, perfect for sharing (or not!), and guaranteed to impress. So, are you ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats? Let's get started!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Preparing the Hazelnut Brownie Batter

Melt the butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted. Alternatively, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, being careful not to burn it.
Combine wet ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Don't worry if it looks a little grainy at this stage; it will come together.
Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a lovely aroma to your brownies.
Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It's important to mix each egg in completely before adding the next to ensure a smooth and even batter. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough brownies, so mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
Add the hazelnuts and chocolate chips (optional): Fold in the chopped, toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips (if using). Make sure the hazelnuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate chips will add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Baking the Hazelnut Brownies

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
Prepare the baking pan: Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan after baking.
Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Bake the brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Cool the brownies: Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling and make them easier to slice. Cooling them completely is crucial for that fudgy texture.

Tips for Perfect Hazelnut Brownies

Use high-quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your brownies. Opt for a good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, darker flavor.
Toast the hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the brownies. To toast the hazelnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
Don't overbake the brownies: Overbaking is the biggest mistake you can make when baking brownies. Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly, rather than fudgy and moist. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Let the brownies cool completely: As mentioned earlier, letting the brownies cool completely before cutting is essential for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they will be too soft and will crumble.
Add a glaze or frosting (optional): If you want to add an extra touch of decadence to your brownies, you can top them with a glaze or frosting. A simple chocolate glaze or a cream cheese frosting would be delicious.
Store the brownies properly: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer less sweet brownies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup. If you like them sweeter, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar.
Experiment with different nuts: If you're not a fan of hazelnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just make sure to toast them before adding them to the batter.
Add a swirl of peanut butter: For a peanut butter twist, swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter before baking. This will add a delicious nutty flavor and a beautiful marbled effect.
Use different types of chocolate chips: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to these rich and fudgy brownies.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Drizzle the brownies with chocolate sauce for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
Dust with powdered sugar: Dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea: These brownies are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
Cut into squares and serve as part of a dessert platter: Cut the brownies into squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter with other treats.

Troubleshooting

Brownies are too dry: This is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure to check for doneness around 25 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Brownies are too gooey: This could be caused by underbaking or using too much butter. Make sure to bake them for the recommended time and use the correct amount of butter.
Brownies are too tough: This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter, especially after adding the flour.
Brownies are too crumbly: This could be caused by not letting them cool completely before cutting. Make sure to let them cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Brownies are not fudgy enough: This could be caused by using too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure to use the correct amount of each ingredient.

Variations

Salted Caramel Hazelnut Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies after baking and sprinkle with sea salt.
Espresso Hazelnut Brownies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-flavored kick.
Orange Hazelnut Brownies: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Peppermint Hazelnut Brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint candies after baking.
Vegan Hazelnut Brownies: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use vegan chocolate chips.

Equipment You'll Need

9x13 inch baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Toothpick

Enjoy your homemade Hazelnut Brownies!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These hazelnut brownies are more than just a dessert; they're an experience. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the delightful crunch of toasted hazelnuts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for any brownie lover, and here's why: it's incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a truly decadent result that rivals anything you'd find in a fancy bakery. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While these brownies are divine on their own, still warm from the oven, there are so many ways to elevate them even further. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The contrast between the warm brownie and the cold ice cream is simply heavenly. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for an extra layer of nutty goodness. Looking for variations? Go ahead and experiment! If you're not a fan of hazelnuts, feel free to substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor profile to the brownies. You could also add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter before baking for an extra layer of richness. For a mocha twist, stir in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the batter. And if you're feeling particularly decadent, consider adding chocolate chips – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate – for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. These hazelnut brownies are also perfect for gifting! Wrap them individually in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present. They're sure to be a hit with friends, family, and colleagues alike. They are also a great addition to any bake sale or potluck. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. The combination of the fudgy brownie base and the crunchy hazelnuts is simply irresistible. It's the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a little self-care. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most amazing hazelnut brownies you've ever tasted. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from my readers and learning about their baking adventures. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Happy baking! I can't wait to hear all about your delicious hazelnut brownies!