Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Classic Kitchen

I absolutely adore baking these chocolate hazelnut brownies! The rich chocolate flavor combines seamlessly with the crunchy, nutty hazelnuts, creating a texture that's simply heaven in every bite. I often make these brownies for gatherings or just to satisfy my sweet tooth. The addition of hazelnuts elevates the dish to a gourmet level, and family and friends can't resist asking for the recipe. Baking these delights is easier than you might think, and they always impress!

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:13:34.914Z

When I first attempted to make these chocolate hazelnut brownies, I was amazed by how simple yet satisfying the process was. I loved experimenting with the ratio of chocolate to hazelnuts, and ensuring I didn’t overmix kept my brownies fudgy, just the way I love them. Each time, I try to slightly toast the hazelnuts for added flavor, which has become my signature touch.

One of the best things about these brownies is how they stay fresh for days—if they last that long! I often serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a unique twist, I occasionally drizzle some homemade ganache on top, which takes these brownies to a whole new level!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself

      

Mastering the Chocolate and Butter Mix

The key to a velvety brownie lies in how you melt the butter and chocolate. Use a medium saucepan on low heat to prevent scorching. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy; this ensures that your brownies will have a uniform texture. If you accidentally overheat it, the chocolate may seize up, so keep an eye on it—it should only take about 5 minutes.

Once you melt the butter and chocolate together, it's crucial to let this mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents them from cooking when they come into contact with the warm chocolate. If you’re short on time, wait until the mixture is just warm to the touch rather than hot; this ensures a fudgy result without cooking the eggs.

Perfecting the Texture

When mixing in the flour and hazelnuts, it's important to fold gently. Overmixing can incorporate too much air and create a cake-like brownie's texture, which we want to avoid. A few visible pockets of flour are perfectly fine; they will bake into the brownie and keep that dense, fudgy crumb we adore. Aim for a streaky batter, and you'll achieve the divine fudginess characteristic of these brownies.

If you have a scale, consider weighing your flour for precision. A cup of flour can vary greatly in weight depending on how it’s scooped. Generally, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour weighs around 60 grams. Using a scale can help avoid drying out the brownies, which often happens when too much flour is added.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

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

Mix Ingredients

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the sugar, followed by the eggs one at a time, and the vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, salt, and chopped hazelnuts until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate hazelnut brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Ingredient Variations

If you're looking to mix things up, consider replacing the hazelnuts with other nuts like walnuts or pecans. Both options offer a delightful crunch and unique flavor, creating a different twist on this classic recipe. For a nut-free version, substitute the hazelnuts with a cup of mini chocolate chips or a combination of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for some extra texture.

For those sensitive to gluten, you can easily make these brownies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will maintain the necessary structure and moisture without sacrificing the fudgy texture that makes these brownies irresistible.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These brownies can be made in advance and stored for days, making them a perfect treat for later enjoyment. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen brownies, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be sure to check on them to avoid overheating, which could dry them out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the hazelnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, pecans, or even almonds as alternatives.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for the best texture.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What type of chocolate works best?

For deep flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.