Delicious Nutella Brownies Recipe

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These Nutella Brownies are a rich, gooey, and utterly indulgent treat that brings together the best of chocolate and hazelnut in one decadent square. With their crackly tops and fudgy centers, they’re a perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside, soft and moist inside. The star ingredient, Nutella, doesn’t just add flavor—it melts right into the batter, creating thick swirls of sweet magic in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something deeply chocolaty, these brownies will not disappoint. No need for fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen—just a handful of pantry staples and a jar of Nutella is all it takes to create a dessert that rivals anything from a bakery.

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Why You’ll Love This Nutella Brownies Recipe

• Ultra-fudgy texture with crisp, shiny tops
• Made with just one bowl – easy cleanup!
• Nutella as the main flavor – rich hazelnut-chocolate goodness
• Perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to solo indulgence
• Customizable – swirl in extra toppings like sea salt, chocolate chips, or chopped hazelnuts
• No mixer needed – just a whisk, a bowl, and a spatula

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Nutella Brownies

Before you start baking, a little preparation goes a long way. Having the right tools not only saves time but also ensures your Nutella Brownies turn out perfect every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is needed to combine all your ingredients. Opt for a heat-safe one if you plan to melt butter or warm Nutella.
• Whisk & Rubber Spatula: A whisk helps emulsify eggs and sugar quickly, while the spatula is key for folding in flour and scraping every bit of batter.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: This size gives you the ideal brownie thickness. A metal pan will help achieve that crackly top, while glass pans tend to take longer to bake.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your pan makes for easy removal and cleaner edges.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar and liquid ones for oil or vanilla extract.
• Oven Thermometer (optional): Ensures your oven is running at the correct temperature—very helpful if your brownies often over- or underbake.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and more even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just until you no longer see dry streaks. Overmixing leads to cakier brownies.
• Warm the Nutella Slightly: A few seconds in the microwave will make Nutella easier to mix and swirl.
• Let Them Cool: As tempting as it is, wait until the brownies are fully cooled before slicing to get clean, neat squares.
• Use a Hot Knife for Slicing: Run your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts for bakery-style edges.

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Ingredients for This Nutella Brownies Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of rich, fudgy Nutella Brownies. These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making it an easy last-minute dessert option.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup Nutella (room temperature) – The hero of the recipe, adding rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds moisture and richness; gives that fudgy texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Helps create the signature crackly brownie top.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate and Nutella flavor.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate profile.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings:

• ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks – For extra chocolate pockets.
• Chopped hazelnuts – Adds crunch and intensifies the Nutella connection.
• Flaky sea salt – Sprinkled on top after baking for a gourmet touch.

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Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Melt the Butter and Combine with Nutella

In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, melt the ½ cup butter in the microwave or over a double boiler. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of Nutella while the butter is still warm. Mix until completely smooth and glossy.

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Step 3: Whisk in Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add ¾ cup sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the Nutella-butter mixture. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thick, creamy, and pale—this helps create the crackly top.

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Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift in ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Gently fold with a rubber spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.

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Step 5: Pour into Pan and Add Extras (Optional)

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. For extra indulgence, swirl in a few spoonfuls of Nutella on top or sprinkle with chocolate chips or hazelnuts.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Slightly underbaking ensures a gooey middle.

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Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares using a sharp knife (a warm knife helps!).

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Notes

• Fudginess depends on bake time: For extra gooey brownies, lean toward the shorter end of the baking time (around 25 minutes). If you prefer firmer squares, go for 30 minutes.
• Resting improves flavor: These brownies taste even better after a few hours or overnight as the flavors settle.
• Double the batch easily: Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Nutella swirl tip: Drop dollops of Nutella on top and swirl lightly with a butter knife for a marbled look.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter: Once you add the flour, mix gently. Overmixing will make the brownies cakey rather than fudgy.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or Nutella can cause the batter to seize or clump. Always let them come to room temperature first.
• Overbaking: This is the #1 reason brownies come out dry. Check early and watch the center carefully.
• Skipping the parchment paper: It makes removing the brownies clean and easy. Don’t skip it.
• Not allowing to cool: Cutting too soon will leave you with messy, crumbled pieces. Let them rest.
• Wrong pan size: Using a pan that’s too large will result in thin, dry brownies. Stick with 8×8 inches for best results.
• Burning the butter: When melting butter, especially in a microwave, do it in short bursts to avoid scorching.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon it into the cup and level off—don’t scoop directly from the bag or you might add too much.

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What to Serve With Nutella Brownies?

Nutella Brownies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert game. Whether you’re serving at a party or enjoying a solo treat, these additions will take your brownies to the next level.

8 Recommendations

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of classic vanilla cuts through the richness and adds a cool contrast to the warm, fudgy brownie.

2. Fresh Berries

Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add brightness and a touch of tartness that complements the deep chocolate flavor.

3. Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream provides a lovely balance to the dense texture of the brownies.

4. Espresso or Coffee

A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso intensifies the chocolate flavors and makes for a perfect dessert pairing.

5. Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle a bit of warm salted caramel on top for a sweet-salty flavor boost.

6. Crushed Hazelnuts or Pecans

Add a little crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts over the top or serving on the side.

7. Glass of Cold Milk

A timeless combo—cool milk balances out the richness and makes each bite even more satisfying.

8. Chocolate Ganache or Syrup

For die-hard chocolate lovers, a little extra chocolate sauce never hurts. Pour it over the top before serving for double the indulgence.

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Storage Instructions

Nutella Brownies store beautifully and even improve in flavor over time. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Just be sure to let them come to room temp before serving for best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave on the counter for a few hours or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

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Estimated Nutrition (per square, based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Category: Dessert

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Nutella Brownies without cocoa powder?

Yes, but the cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor. If you skip it, the brownies will be more Nutella-forward and slightly sweeter.

2. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time to about 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.

3. Do I need to use parchment paper?

It’s highly recommended. Parchment prevents sticking and makes removing and slicing the brownies much easier.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it slightly (try ½ cup instead of ¾), but don’t omit it entirely or the texture and crackly top will suffer.

5. How do I know when brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a center that no longer jiggles. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs—not raw batter.

6. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They come out nearly identical in texture and taste.

7. Can I add extra Nutella on top?

Definitely. Dollop extra Nutella before baking and gently swirl it with a knife for a marbled look and richer flavor.

8. Why don’t my brownies have that shiny top?

The shiny top comes from properly mixing sugar and eggs. Whisk them well until the mixture is thick and glossy before adding dry ingredients.

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Conclusion

Nutella Brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make, deeply chocolaty, and irresistibly fudgy with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re perfect for casual snacking, holiday baking, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with toppings, these brownies promise satisfaction in every bite.

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