Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (150g) dark chocolate chips; 1 cup (140g) roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

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I absolutely love making these Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies whenever I need a sweet treat that satisfies my chocolate cravings. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts creates an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to myself! With a gooey center and a slightly crispy top, these brownies have quickly become a favorite in my household. Plus, they come together so quickly that I can whip them up with minimal prep, making them an ideal choice for unexpected guests!

Created by

Elodie Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:13:34.586Z

When I first tried these brownies, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious they are. The secret to their rich flavor is using high-quality chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, which complement each other beautifully. I’ve found that toasting the hazelnuts beforehand really enhances their nutty flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Also, don’t skip the cooling time! Allowing the brownies to set before cutting helps achieve those perfect, clean edges. They’re fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled for a delightful treat!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Gooey center with a slightly crispy top
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

      

Brownie Texture and Consistency

The key to achieving the perfect brownie texture lies in the mixing technique. Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can lead to a denser, cake-like result rather than the desired fudgy center. Mix until you see no dry flour, and don’t worry if a few lumps remain. Additionally, the dark chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, contributing to the gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor that makes each bite addictive.

Pay attention to the baking time, as it can greatly affect the final result. Start checking the brownies at the 25-minute mark; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating they are perfectly done. If overbaked, the brownies will become dry and lose their fudgy quality. Aim for slightly underbaked brownies if you prefer that ultra-rich, gooey center.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of granulated and brown sugar plays a crucial role in achieving the ideal sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar aids in creating a crisp crust, while brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramelized flavor. If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar effect.

Using roasted hazelnuts not only enhances the flavor profile, but it also provides a satisfying crunch that complements the soft brownie texture. If hazelnuts aren't available, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or pecans, which will give you a different yet delightful nutty dimension.

Serving and Storing

These brownies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate your dessert by serving them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving for an irresistible sweet and salty contrast.

To store, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you wish to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze well; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before bringing them back to room temperature or warming them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (150g) dark chocolate chips
1 cup (140g) roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results.

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating these decadent brownies!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mix Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in Chocolate and Hazelnuts

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Once you’ve baked your brownies, serve them warm or store them in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve these brownies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.

Variations to Try

While this recipe celebrates the classic combination of chocolate and hazelnuts, feel free to switch things up! Adding a handful of dried cherries or cranberries can provide a delightful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. Alternatively, you can mix in different types of chocolate chips, such as milk or white chocolate, for varied flavor profiles.

For a mocha twist, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter when mixing in the dry ingredients. This enhances the chocolate flavor while imparting a pleasing coffee undertone that brownie lovers will appreciate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too cakey, it’s likely due to overmixing or baking them for too long. Ensure you're mixing just until necessary and keep an eye on the time to maintain that fudgy texture. Conversely, if they turn out too gooey, they may have been underbaked. It’s always a good practice to perform the toothpick test a few minutes before the recommended bake time.

Another common issue is brownies sticking to the pan. If you decide to use parchment paper, make sure to leave an overhang so you can easily lift the brownies out once they’ve cooled. Greasing the pan or using a non-stick baking spray can also help in easy removal.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This recipe can easily be scaled to suit your needs. If you want to make a larger batch, doubling the ingredients will work perfectly in a 9x13-inch pan. Just be sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as it may increase slightly. Conversely, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, halving the ingredients can be done in an 8x8-inch pan, but be vigilant about watching the bake time as well.

When scaling, remember that ingredient ratios should remain consistent for optimal results. Also, consider adjusting the baking time accordingly, testing for doneness earlier if you reduce the batch size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, but the brownies will be less rich.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as egg substitutes, but the texture may change slightly.