Prepare for an extraordinary dessert experience with these incredibly decadent Nutella Brownies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a brownie that is not only soft and intensely chewy but also boasts that coveted, slightly crisp, crackly top we all adore. Each bite is a symphony of rich chocolate and a luscious hazelnut flavor, beautifully enhanced by generous swirls of Nutella and an abundance of melting chocolate chips throughout. This isn’t just a brownie; it’s a celebration of pure indulgence, promising to become your new go-to recipe for the ultimate chocolate hazelnut delight.

Author: The BakerMama

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 9-12 brownies

Why These Nutella Brownies Are Simply the Best

Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless brownie recipes, always striving for that perfect balance of fudginess, chewiness, and rich flavor. And I can confidently say, these Nutella Brownies have truly surpassed all expectations. They bake up with an astonishingly moist interior, an incredibly rich flavor profile that deeply satisfies any chocolate craving, and a delightful crackly crust that is the hallmark of a truly exceptional brownie. The magic lies in the generous integration of Nutella, which infuses every morsel with its signature chocolate-hazelnut creaminess, making these brownies irresistible. You won’t be able to resist picking up another square the moment you finish the first, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a cozy night in.

My love affair with Nutella runs deep; there’s something undeniably captivating about the smooth, luxurious blend of chocolate and hazelnut. For the longest time, I dreamt of creating a Nutella Brownie recipe that truly captures the essence of this beloved spread, amplifying its unique taste within a classic dessert. Finally taking the time to perfect this recipe has been incredibly rewarding! The result is a profoundly fudgy brownie with an unbelievably moist crumb, striking just the right balance of that exquisite chocolate hazelnut flavor we all adore. What could possibly make them even better? Perhaps a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream melting slowly on top, transforming a delicious treat into an unforgettable Nutella Brownie Sundae. Who’s in for this ultimate indulgence? It’s a combination that’s simply heavenly.

The Perfect Brownie: Corners or Centers?

Are you a devoted fan of the crispy, chewy corner piece, or do you gravitate towards the soft, tender center? This Nutella Brownie recipe masterfully caters to both preferences, ensuring everyone finds their perfect bite. The edges bake up with a delightful firmness and extra chewiness, providing that satisfying textural contrast that corner lovers crave. These slightly crisp edges offer a wonderful counterpoint to the rich, gooey interior. Meanwhile, the middle remains gloriously soft, moist, and perfectly fudgy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that center enthusiasts dream of. While I’ve never personally used one of those specialized “all-corner” brownie pans, I have an unwavering feeling that this particular recipe would shine spectacularly in one, delivering a pan full of perfectly chewy, rich corners for everyone to enjoy without compromise.

Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Brownies

Crafting the perfect Nutella Brownie starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after texture and profound flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your pantry, along with a brief explanation of their purpose:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): The foundation of richness and moisture in our brownies. Using unsalted butter allows you precise control over the overall saltiness of your final product. Melted butter also contributes significantly to a fudgy texture.
• Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups, divided): We use a generous amount of chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate intensity. The first cup melts into the batter, deepening the chocolate flavor and contributing to the brownies’ fudgy texture. The remaining ½ cup is stirred in at the end, creating delightful pockets of gooey, melted chocolate in every bite. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work best to complement the Nutella without making the brownies overly sweet.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Provides essential sweetness and, crucially, helps create that iconic shiny, crackly top that is a hallmark of truly amazing brownies. It also contributes to the moist crumb.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a beautiful depth of flavor with its molasses notes, but more importantly, it introduces extra moisture and a wonderful chewiness to the brownies, making them irresistible.
• Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Essential for a deep, intense chocolate flavor that works harmoniously with the Nutella. Opt for a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed) for the best, most robust results.
• Large Eggs (3): Act as a vital binder, contributing significantly to the structure, richness, and ultimately, the fudgy texture of the brownies. They also play a key role in developing that desirable crackly crust on top.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A crucial flavor enhancer that elevates and balances the rich chocolate and hazelnut notes, adding a layer of complexity. Don’t skip this essential ingredient!
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides just enough structure to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey. We use a minimal amount to ensure the brownies remain dense, chewy, and gloriously fudgy.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): A pinch of salt is absolutely vital to balance the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate. It enhances all the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, making them truly pop and preventing the brownies from tasting one-dimensional.
• Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (1 cup): The undeniable star ingredient! Its creamy texture and distinctive, irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor are swirled throughout the batter, creating both an amazing taste and a beautiful visual appeal.
• 9-inch Square Baking Dish: The ideal size for achieving thick, substantial brownies with perfect edges.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: For easy removal of your baked brownies and to ensure a hassle-free cleanup.

Crafting Your Nutella Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Nutella Brownies is a straightforward and enjoyable process, even for novice bakers. Follow these detailed steps to achieve brownie perfection in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, or for even easier removal and cleanup, line it completely with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles.” Set the prepared dish aside. This crucial first step ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes serving a breeze.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and 1 cup of the chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture in short bursts, typically 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir thoroughly with a spatula or whisk. Continue this process until the butter and chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is beautifully smooth and glossy. This gentle melting prevents the chocolate from scorching and creates a rich, even base for your batter.
3. Whisk in Sugars and Cocoa: To the melted butter and chocolate mixture, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, along with the cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture appears smooth. The vigorous whisking helps dissolve the sugars and is key to achieving that desirable shiny, crackly top on your brownies.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the large eggs to the mixture, one at a time, whisking well after each individual addition until each egg is fully incorporated and no streaks remain. This gradual addition helps to emulsify the batter, adding air and building structure, which contributes to the brownies’ chewy texture. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract, which rounds out and enhances all the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors perfectly.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Mix with a spatula until the flour is *just* combined and you no longer see any dry streaks. Be extremely careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, more cake-like brownies rather than the desired dense, fudgy texture. Less is more here!
6. Swirl in Nutella and Remaining Chocolate Chips: Now for the star of the show! Add the entire cup of Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread and the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips to the prepared batter. Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir the batter just a few times, intentionally leaving distinct swirls of Nutella throughout. These beautiful swirls will not only create an enticing marbled pattern in your baked brownies but also provide concentrated pockets of rich hazelnut goodness that are utterly delightful.
7. Bake to Perfection: Pour the luscious, swirled Nutella brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9-inch square baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it from edge to edge. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. A completely clean toothpick indicates overbaked brownies, which can be dry, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess!
8. Cool Completely: This step is perhaps the most crucial for perfect fudgy brownies. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. This patience is key! Cooling allows the brownies to set properly, ensuring clean, neat cuts and an ideal, dense fudgy texture. While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, warm brownies will crumble and be difficult to cut cleanly.

More Nutella Delights for Every Craving

Nutella is truly a magical ingredient that effortlessly elevates any baked good with its creamy texture and unforgettable chocolate-hazelnut flavor. It transforms everyday baking into something truly special and edible art, making it a staple in many kitchens. My extensive collection of Favorite Nutella Recipes gathers all that delicious goodness in one convenient place, showcasing the incredible versatility of this beloved spread. Explore a world of Nutella baked into flaky cruffins and soft, chewy cookies, swirled into fluffy muffins and comforting quick breads, and cleverly incorporated into our most beloved no-bake treats. Whether you’re a long-time Nutella fanatic or just discovering its charm, there’s a delightful recipe here for every Nutella lover and every occasion!

Tips for Storing Your Nutella Brownies

To keep your delicious Nutella Brownies fresh and fudgy for as long as possible, proper storage is absolutely key. Here’s how to ensure every bite is as good as the first, whether you plan to enjoy them now or save some for later:

• Countertop Storage: Once completely cooled to room temperature, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container. Placing them on the counter will keep them wonderfully fresh and moist for up to five days. It’s generally best to avoid refrigerating brownies, as the cold air can dry them out and make them lose their desirable fudgy texture.
• Freezing for Later: If you’ve baked a big batch or simply want to ensure you have these treats on hand over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. I highly recommend wrapping individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it prevents freezer burn and makes it incredibly easy to grab just one when a craving strikes, without needing to thaw the entire batch. Once individually wrapped, place them in a larger freezer-safe container or in individual freezer-safe baggies. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
• Defrosting Frozen Brownies: To enjoy your frozen brownies, simply remove them from their plastic wrapping and let them thaw at room temperature. It’s best to leave them uncovered during thawing to prevent any condensation from making them soggy or absorbing too much moisture. They should be perfectly soft and delicious within an hour or two, depending on your room temperature. You can even warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for an extra gooey experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Brownies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these delicious Nutella Brownies:

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are generally recommended for their balanced flavor that complements Nutella so well, you can certainly experiment. Try dark chocolate chips for a more intense, less sweet chocolate experience, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier touch. White chocolate chips could also add an interesting flavor contrast and a pop of color.

How do I ensure a fudgy brownie and not a cakey one?

Several factors contribute to achieving that coveted fudgy texture. Key elements include using melted butter (as this recipe does) and a higher fat-to-flour ratio. Additionally, avoid overmixing the flour once it’s added, as this develops gluten and can lead to a cakey texture. Most importantly, do not overbake! Brownies are often best when slightly underbaked; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not liquid batter, but also not perfectly clean. A clean toothpick often means dry brownies.

My brownies didn’t get a crackly top. What went wrong?

The signature crackly top is often achieved by thoroughly dissolving the sugar into the melted butter and chocolate mixture, along with vigorous whisking of the eggs and sugar to incorporate air. Ensure your wet ingredients are well combined and somewhat airy before folding in the flour. High sugar content also contributes to this desirable texture. If your top isn’t as crackly as you’d like, don’t worry—they’ll still be incredibly delicious and fudgy!

Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party or event?

Yes, these Nutella Brownies are absolutely perfect for making ahead! In fact, many people find that they taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you need to make them further in advance, refer to the freezing instructions above for long-term storage.

What are some good serving suggestions for Nutella Brownies?

While incredible on their own, warm Nutella Brownies are fantastic with a generous scoop of vanilla, coffee, or even hazelnut ice cream for a delightful sundae experience. A drizzle of extra warmed Nutella, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can also elevate them beautifully. They also pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or an espresso.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making these Nutella Brownies, please don’t forget to capture a picture and share it with me! Tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your magnificent creations. 😍 I absolutely love witnessing how inspired and creative you all become with the recipes I share, and seeing your results truly makes my day. Enjoy every fudgy, chewy, chocolate-hazelnut bite of these incredible brownies!

xoxo,