Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and there's something truly special about these chocolate hazelnut brownies. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts creates a decadent dessert that never fails to impress. With a fudgy texture and a hint of nuttiness, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors. I find that the use of high-quality cocoa powder elevates the taste, making it a chocolate lover's dream. Whether I'm enjoying them on a cozy evening or serving them at a gathering, these brownies always bring joy and satisfaction.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:01:16.599Z

When I first combined chocolate and hazelnuts in these brownies, I was amazed at how perfectly they complemented each other. The rich, molten chocolate marries beautifully with the crunchy texture of the hazelnuts, creating a dessert that is both luxurious and comforting. I recommend toasting the hazelnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.

I also love adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownies. It elevates the sweetness of the chocolate and balances the richness of the dessert. Every bite becomes an experience that keeps you reaching for more.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The type of chocolate you use can significantly impact the flavor of your brownies. I recommend selecting a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This will provide a rich, intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of hazelnuts. When melting, be sure to chop the chocolate into small pieces to ensure it melts evenly and avoids scorching, which can ruin the texture of your batter.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have dark chocolate on hand, you can substitute it with semisweet chocolate or even bittersweet chocolate. Just keep in mind that using a sweeter chocolate might slightly alter the overall sweetness of the brownies, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar by a couple of tablespoons if needed.

Perfecting the Fudgy Texture

Achieving that coveted fudgy texture in brownies often comes down to baking time and ingredient ratios. To keep your brownies moist and chewy, avoid over-mixing the batter once you incorporate the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to prevent developing too much gluten, which can result in a cake-like texture.

Another trick is to underbake slightly. For fudgy brownies, you should take them out of the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, typically around 25 minutes. This ensures a gooey interior while the edges have a slight firmness. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful brownies.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped

Once you have all the ingredients ready, we can start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your brownies.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate and butter together until smooth and combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

Add Hazelnuts

Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts into the brownie batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Pro Tips

To enhance the chocolate flavor, try using a combination of dark and semi-sweet chocolate in the batter.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

Once your brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate hazelnut brownies are delicious on their own, but elevating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the indulgence to the next level. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the chocolate.

For an extra touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate or a simple ganache over the top before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also amplifies the chocolate flavor, making it even more irresistible for any chocolate lover.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the brownies will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar accordingly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for hazelnuts?

You can use walnuts or pecans as a substitute if desired.