If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence, look no further than The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies. These brownies are everything you want in a homemade treat: deeply fudgy, ultra-chocolatey, and brimming with that irresistible swirl of Nutella. Each bite is a perfect harmony of rich cocoa, gooey Nutella, and a hint of hazelnut crunch. Whether you’re serving these at a party, enjoying them with friends, or sneaking one as a late-night snack, this recipe is the chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies truly shine is their lineup of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something special to the party, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that signature glossy top. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Creates a rich, tender crumb and that beautiful fudgy consistency.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create a crackly top crust.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses undertone.
- Eggs (4 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and give structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the chocolate and Nutella flavors.
- Nutella (1 cup, plus extra for swirling): The star of the show, adding creamy hazelnut-chocolate decadence.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides just enough structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): Delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped Hazelnuts (½ cup, optional): For crunch and a nod to Nutella’s classic pairing.
How to Make The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal later. Give the paper a light grease to make sure nothing sticks. This simple prep step guarantees you’ll get perfect, neatly-sliced brownies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This combo is the key to that signature shiny top and fudgy texture that sets The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies apart.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutella
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition for that beautifully rich consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and then fold in the Nutella until everything is fully combined and luscious. This is where the magic of flavor really starts to build.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—no overmixing, or you’ll lose that dreamy fudginess!
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Hazelnuts
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like a little crunch, the chopped hazelnuts. These mix-ins create pockets of melty chocolate and nutty texture that make The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Swirl and Bake
Pour the thick, chocolatey batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Take a few extra spoonfuls of Nutella, warm them slightly, and dollop them over the top. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. For extra fudgy brownies, don’t overbake!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment. This helps them set and makes slicing a breeze. Once cool, cut into neat squares and get ready to wow everyone with The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies.
How to Serve The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra chopped hazelnuts, or even a drizzle of melted Nutella. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns these into a show-stopping dessert that no one will forget.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with fresh berries, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For a grown-up twist, they’re also fabulous with a shot of espresso or a rich cup of coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties, or stack them up and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift. You can even layer cubes of The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies in a parfait glass with whipped cream and fruit for a decadent trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves their fudgy texture and keeps them tasting freshly baked.
Freezing
The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and thaw in about an hour at room temperature.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey brownie, microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and melts any chocolate chips—pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
You can swap in another chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a different nut butter, but the signature flavor of The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies really comes from classic Nutella. Alternatives may change the taste and texture slightly.
What if I don’t have hazelnuts?
No worries! You can leave them out entirely or substitute with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. The brownies will still be delicious and fudgy without them.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for set edges and a center that’s just barely firm. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, slightly underbaking ensures that ultra-fudgy texture The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies are famous for.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results are still rich, chocolatey, and decadent.
Why do the brownies need to cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the brownies to set up, making them easier to slice cleanly. If you cut them too soon, you might end up with a gooey mess instead of perfect squares.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience the most decadent, crowd-pleasing treat, give The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies a try. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough to impress at any gathering. One bite, and you’ll understand why they truly deserve their name!
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The Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Best Chocolate Nutella Brownies, featuring a luscious blend of Nutella with cocoa and chocolate chips, topped with optional crunchy hazelnuts. Perfectly moist and decadently chocolaty, these brownies make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Nutella (plus extra for swirling)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the Nutella until the batter is uniform and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them in until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional chopped hazelnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Warm a few extra spoonfuls of Nutella slightly and swirl it over the top of the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the brownies for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. Enjoy your decadent homemade Nutella brownies!
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and chill for an hour before cutting.
- You can omit the hazelnuts or replace them with walnuts or pecans based on preference or allergy concerns.
- These brownies freeze well for up to 2 months; wrap tightly to preserve freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
