Hazelnut Brownies: Rich & Nutty Delight
Indulge in Decadent Hazelnut Brownies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat
Feeling like your basic brownies could use a little something extra? These Hazelnut Brownies are here to elevate your dessert game! Packed with the rich, toasty flavor of whole hazelnuts, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Enjoy them warm and fudgy straight from the oven, or chill them in the freezer for a wonderfully chewy and dense experience. Get ready to dive into a square of pure chocolate bliss with a nutty twist. Let’s bake! 💖
Brownie Ingredients- 150g Dark Couverture Chocolate
- 150g Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 160g Brown Sugar
- A splash of Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 3 Large Eggs, at room temperature
- 20g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2g Baking Powder (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 40g Cake Flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 60g Whole Hazelnuts (50g for batter, 10g for topping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re crafting Hazelnut Brownies, a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate with the wonderful crunch and aroma of toasted hazelnuts. This recipe yields approximately 8 delicious brownies.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the star of our brownies: 150g of dark couverture chocolate. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt it gently over a double boiler (bain-marie). Be cautious as the bowl can get hot; wearing oven mitts is a good idea while you stir until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Step 3
Ensure the chocolate is fully melted with no lumps. Once smooth, set the bowl aside to cool slightly. It’s important that the chocolate isn’t too hot when added to the other ingredients to prevent them from cooking prematurely.
Step 4
Next, we’ll melt the butter for that signature brownie richness. Use 150g of unsalted butter that has been softened at room temperature for at least an hour. Similar to the chocolate, melt the butter gently over a double boiler until it’s completely liquid.
Step 5
The butter melts quickly! Once fully melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat, again, using oven mitts if the bowl is still quite warm.
Step 6
Pour the 160g of brown sugar into the melted butter and mix well with a whisk or spatula until combined. While mixing, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Allow it to preheat for at least 20 minutes for even baking.
Step 7
The warmth of the butter helps the brown sugar dissolve beautifully, resulting in a smooth, easily incorporated mixture.
Step 8
Now, let’s add the eggs for binding and richness. Use 3 large eggs that are at room temperature – cold eggs can shock the mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Wait until the first egg is well blended before adding the second.
Step 9
Add the second egg and continue to mix until it’s thoroughly combined with the batter. The key here is gradual incorporation for a smooth, cohesive batter.
Step 10
Finally, add the third egg and give the batter a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. Get into the rhythm – ‘shake it, shake it’!
Step 11
To enhance the flavor and eliminate any eggy scent, add a splash of vanilla extract and mix it in. This subtle addition will really elevate the overall aroma and taste of your brownies.
Step 12
Now, it’s time to add the melted and slightly cooled dark couverture chocolate to the batter. Make sure the chocolate has cooled down sufficiently so it doesn’t cook the eggs or melt the butter again.
Step 13
Using a whisk or spatula, gently fold the chocolate into the batter until everything is uniformly combined. The rich, decadent aroma of chocolate is already filling the kitchen!
Step 14
Next, sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Sift together 40g of cake flour, 20g of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2g of baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Step 15
As you mix in the dry ingredients, the batter will transform into a thick, luscious chocolate mixture. Now, stir in 50g of the whole hazelnuts. Mix gently until they’re evenly distributed. Your hazelnut brownie batter is ready!
Step 16
Prepare your baking pan by lining a square pan with parchment paper. Pour all the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly. For a perfectly flat top, gently tap the pan on the counter 5 times (placing a tea towel underneath can help prevent damage).
Step 17
Scatter the remaining 10g of whole hazelnuts over the top of the batter. Gently press them down into the surface. Bake in your preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Adjust baking time based on your oven.
Step 18
The aroma of baking brownies is heavenly! Once baked, carefully remove the brownies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a soft, fudgy texture, enjoy them as is. If you prefer a denser, chewier brownie, chill them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Step 19
I chilled mine for about 15 minutes before cutting them into perfect squares. This creates a wonderfully firm exterior with a delightfully chewy center.
Step 20
Behold the beautiful cross-section of our Hazelnut Brownies! The texture looks incredible, and the embedded hazelnuts add such a lovely visual appeal.
Step 21
Here’s a bird’s-eye view of these delightful brownies! The classic square shape contrasted with the round hazelnuts makes them visually captivating.
Step 22
Just looking at these brownies, can you already taste the deep chocolate richness and the nutty crunch of the hazelnuts? I enjoyed mine after a brief chill, and the way they melted in my mouth, combined with the satisfying chewiness of the nuts, was simply divine!
Step 23
Any leftover brownies have been nicely packaged and stored in the freezer. I’m looking forward to enjoying them with my coffee tomorrow afternoon! Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious Hazelnut Brownies for a truly special dessert moment. ☕️
