Deliciously Nutty Chocolate Brownies Recipe
If you’re looking for a decadent dessert that combines rich, velvety chocolate with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts, this brownie recipe is a must-try. These brownies are perfectly moist, with a slightly crisp top, offering an ideal balance between sweetness and richness. The toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, making every bite an indulgent experience. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a special event, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies will surely impress.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Nutty Chocolate Brownies
- Category: Desserts
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (chopped) | 265g |
| Eggs | 200g |
| Shelled hazelnuts (whole) | 175g |
| Unsalted butter | 135g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 135g |
| Granulated sugar | 255g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 24g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small chunks. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chocolate melts smoothly. Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. Stir it occasionally while it cools to prevent it from hardening too quickly.
2. Toast the Hazelnuts
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the hazelnuts on a baking tray and toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove the tray from the oven and allow the hazelnuts to cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, coarsely chop them into large pieces, keeping some bits a little bigger for texture.
3. Prepare the Egg and Sugar Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together until the sugar is fully dissolved. There’s no need to whip them to a frothy consistency—just ensure the sugar has melted into the eggs, and the mixture is slightly thicker.
4. Add the Chocolate to the Egg Mixture
With the mixer still running on a low speed, gradually pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture, ensuring it is incorporated evenly. Once the chocolate has been fully mixed in, stop the mixer and set the bowl aside.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Place a fine-mesh sieve over the mixing bowl, and sift the flour into the chocolate mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airy texture of the brownies.
6. Add the Hazelnuts
Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts. This will give your brownies that perfect crunch in every bite.
7. Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a rectangular baking pan (approximately 35×27 cm) with butter, then line it with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can use a 30×30 cm square baking pan for slightly thicker brownies. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
8. Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. The top of the brownies should look set and slightly cracked, while the inside remains soft and fudgy. For a slightly firmer texture, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to overbake them, as brownies are best when they are moist and rich in texture.
9. Cool the Brownies
Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help the brownies firm up, making them easier to slice.
10. Slice and Serve
Once the brownies are fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into 6 equal pieces. For perfectly even brownies, first make 5 horizontal cuts and 5 vertical cuts, ensuring each brownie is the same size. Serve them as they are, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Brownies
- Chocolate Quality: The quality of the chocolate is key to achieving the best flavor in your brownies. Opt for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense chocolate taste.
- Flour Folding: When folding the flour into the wet ingredients, do so gently. Overmixing can cause the brownies to become dense and less fudgy.
- Hazelnut Variations: If you’re a fan of different nuts, try swapping the hazelnuts for walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Just make sure they are toasted for extra flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: For an elegant presentation, serve your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
These nutty chocolate brownies are a delicious dessert that will be a hit with friends and family. With the combination of rich dark chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, every bite is a little indulgence. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply enjoyed on their own, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try them today and savor the irresistible taste of homemade brownies!
