There’s just something magical about baking brownies, isn’t there? The rich aroma fills the kitchen, and as they bake, you can hardly wait to take that first bite. Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: heavenly hazelnut brownies! I first made these decadent treats for a family gathering, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could plate them. The combination of silky chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible! Every time I whip up a batch, I’m reminded of the smiles on my loved ones’ faces. It’s such a joy to share something I’ve baked with my own two hands. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they’ll be your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients for Heavenly Hazelnut Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
These ingredients come together to create the most delicious fudgy brownies, packed with nutty hazelnut flavor. Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing in the eggs, or you might accidentally cook them! And don’t forget to chop those hazelnuts evenly so every bite is perfectly balanced. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Heavenly Hazelnut Brownies
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these heavenly hazelnut brownies! It’s a straightforward process that’s perfect for beginners. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying fudgy chocolatey goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because an evenly heated oven ensures your brownies bake perfectly through and through. Nobody wants undercooked centers or burnt edges, right?
Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well—trust me, this makes all the difference! You can use butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies come out easily without sticking, so they look as good as they taste!
Melt the Butter
Now it’s time to melt the butter. Do this gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot! If it’s too hot when you mix it with the eggs, you might accidentally scramble them. Yikes!
Combine Ingredients
Once your butter is ready, remove it from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that lovely fudgy texture!
Fold in Hazelnuts
Now, let’s fold in those chopped hazelnuts! Gently stir them into the batter to ensure even distribution throughout. This way, every bite will have that delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures that fudgy goodness we all crave!
Cool and Cut
Last but not least, let your brownies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain that perfect fudgy texture. Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re on your way to baking these heavenly hazelnut brownies, here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! First off, be careful not to overbake them. Check around the 25-minute mark; the edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft. This will guarantee that fudgy texture we all love!
Also, when chopping your hazelnuts, try to keep the pieces fairly uniform. This way, they’ll distribute evenly throughout the brownies, giving you that delicious crunch in every bite. And don’t skip letting the brownies cool completely before cutting them! This is key to keeping them nice and fudgy instead of crumbly. Trust me, following these little tips will make all the difference, and you’ll be the star baker at your next gathering!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For a serving size of one square, you can expect approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. These heavenly hazelnut brownies are a delightful treat, but as with all desserts, moderation is key for a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
What can I substitute for hazelnuts?
If you don’t have hazelnuts on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with walnuts or pecans. Just keep in mind that while these nuts will still give you a lovely crunch, the flavor will be a bit different. Each nut brings its own unique taste, so choose one that you love!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you want to make these heavenly hazelnut brownies gluten-free, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose one that’s designed for baking, as it will help achieve that perfect texture. I’ve had great success with almond flour or a mix that includes rice flour!
How should I store the brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying, as they taste best when slightly warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Rich, fudgy flavor that’s utterly irresistible
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in
- Nutty crunch from hazelnuts in every bite
- Quick prep time—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Great for sharing, but you might not want to!
Once you try these heavenly hazelnut brownies, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser that brings joy and warmth to any occasion!
Serving Suggestions
These heavenly hazelnut brownies are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! The creamy textures pair beautifully with the fudgy brownies. For an extra touch, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce on top—trust me, it’s pure bliss! You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Enjoy every decadent bite!
For more dessert ideas, check out Christmas dessert recipes made easy!
To learn more about the health benefits of hazelnuts, visit Healthline’s article on hazelnuts.
Print
Heavenly Hazelnut Brownies: 5 Simple Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fudgy brownies with hazelnut flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Fold in chopped hazelnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Ensure butter is not too hot when mixing with eggs to avoid cooking them.
- Do not overbake for fudgy texture.
- Chop hazelnuts evenly for consistent flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: heavenly hazelnut brownies, brownies recipe, dessert recipe
