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 unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love indulging in Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies, especially when they come out of the oven warm and gooey. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts creates a delectable texture that’s hard to resist. I often make these brownies for gatherings, and they never fail to impress. The secret lies in using high-quality cocoa powder and toasting the hazelnuts to enhance their flavor. I can't help but savor every bite when I top them with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:31:25.090Z

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies; the smell of chocolate wafting through my kitchen was simply irresistible. As soon as I took them out of the oven, I knew I had created something special. The rich flavor and crunchy texture were perfect for satisfying my chocolate cravings. I found that letting them cool slightly before cutting allowed me to achieve those beautifully defined edges, making each piece look as enticing as it tastes.

In my experience, using both melted chocolate and cocoa powder in the batter leads to a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor. To elevate the nuttiness, I like to add some crushed hazelnuts on top before baking. This not only gives an appealing finish but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the fudgy brownie base. Trust me, this is a recipe you won't want to miss!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Gooey, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for sharing or enjoying a solo indulgence

      

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality cocoa powder in these Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies is crucial for achieving that deep, rich chocolate flavor. I recommend opting for Dutch-process cocoa, as it offers a smooth, mellow taste that beautifully complements the nuttiness of the hazelnuts. Avoid substitutes like sweetened cocoa, which can alter the sweetness balance of your brownies.

Equally important is the choice of hazelnuts. Toasting them won’t just enhance their flavor but also release their natural oils, providing a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates these brownies. Simply spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Mastering the Right Texture

The texture of these brownies is meant to be fudgy and gooey, akin to a perfect chocolate truffle. To achieve this, it’s essential not to overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients. Stir just until they are combined; overmixing can introduce too much air and result in a cake-like texture, which we definitely want to avoid.

Another key technique is monitoring the baking time closely. Every oven is different, so I suggest checking the brownies at the 20-minute mark. They should pull slightly away from the edges and have a set top with a few moist crumbs sticking to a toothpick. If they look too wet, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up these delicious brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

Ensure you have everything ready so you can start baking these brownies without a hitch!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect batch of Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies:

Preheat the oven

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

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Add wet ingredients

Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Fold in hazelnuts

Gently fold in chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. 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 dish for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

After you’ve enjoyed these delicious brownies, don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container for future indulgence!

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent treat, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings or for meal prep. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

To enjoy them after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving. For a warm treat, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until they’re just warmed through. This little trick revives their gooey texture, elevating the experience.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While these brownies are delicious on their own, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes indulgence to another level. Drizzling warm caramel or chocolate sauce on top can create an even more decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.

If you want to switch things up, consider adding a swirl of peanut butter to the batter for a delightful flavor twist. You could also experiment by incorporating dark chocolate chunks or even a sprinkle of espresso powder, which enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste coffee-like. Just ensure to maintain the overall balance of wet and dry ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, walnuts or pecans make excellent substitutions.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add to enhance flavor?

You could incorporate chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter for an extra twist!