Nutella Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances dreamy chocolate flavor with melt-in-your-mouth texture, Nutella Brownies are about to become your new guilty pleasure. Super fudgy and packed with Nutella’s signature hazelnut goodness, these brownies are probably the easiest way to impress your guests—or just spoil yourself—without requiring a culinary degree. With simple prep and a quick trip to the oven, you can create a batch of rich, decadent squares that are the very definition of comfort food. Nutella Brownies are what happens when nostalgia for spoonfuls of Nutella meets the universal love for classic brownies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is chosen for a reason and does its part to ensure every bite is as delicious as the last. This isn’t the time for complicated swaps or shortcuts—the classic lineup gives you that perfect glossy top, fudgy center, and irresistible Nutella swirl. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, softened): Gives that unmistakable richness and keeps the brownies moist.
• Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with hazelnut chocolate.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): The key to binding everything together and ensuring a chewy, tender crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Just a splash amps up all the chocolatey flavors—you’ll notice if it’s missing!
• Nutella (1 and 1/4 cups, divided): The star! Inside and swirled on top for maximum hazelnut bliss.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Adds balance so the brownies aren’t overwhelmingly sweet and awakens all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup, spooned & leveled): Just enough to bring structure, but not so much that you lose the fudgy factor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup, optional): For extra gooey chocolate pockets—totally optional but highly encouraged.
• Sea salt (a sprinkle, optional): Finishing with flaky sea salt on top is a pro move and totally worth it for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Nutella Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of your 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment, leaving an overhang so you can lift the brownies out easily later. This is a little trick that makes cleanup easier and ensures your Nutella Brownies come out in perfect squares, every time. If you’re using a 9-inch pan, keep in mind they’ll bake a touch faster, so start checking them a few minutes early.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab your trusty handheld or stand mixer and beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy—about a minute. Add the brown sugar and continue beating until the mixture is totally creamed and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to get everything mixed evenly. This sets the stage for a beautifully textured brownie.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Flavorings

With your mixer running on low, add the eggs and vanilla. Once they’re in, crank it up to medium-high and blend until everything is fully combined and a bit lighter in color. This step makes sure every bite of your Nutella Brownies has that signature cakey-meets-fudgy personality.

Step 4: Get Nutella Involved

Now, for the best part: add 1 cup of Nutella and the salt, then beat until the mixture is actually fluffy (hello, Nutella clouds). Scrape down the sides and bottom to get every last streak mixed in. If you love brownies that taste like a spoonful of Nutella, this is why!

Step 5: Bring in the Flour (and Chocolate Chips, If You’d Like)

With your mixer on low, add the flour just until the last streak disappears. Don’t overmix—the right amount of flour is what keeps Nutella Brownies luscious and tender. If you’re feeling indulgent, gently fold in the chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.

Step 6: Swirl and Sprinkle

Pour your batter into the lined pan. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining 1/4 cup Nutella on top. Use a butter knife to swirl it around for that signature marbled effect—seriously, it makes them look as good as they taste! Scatter a sprinkle of sea salt over the top for a fancy bakery finish.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 32 to 36 minutes. Keep a close eye—your kitchen will smell amazing and it’s tempting to dive in early, but a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter). Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Lifting them out with the parchment overhang gives you perfect, Instagrammable squares every time.

How to Serve Nutella Brownies

Garnishes

Brownies are made to be fuss-free, but a good garnish takes your Nutella Brownies from casual to wow-worthy. Try dusting with powdered sugar, an extra drizzle of warm Nutella, or a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that chef’s kiss. For ultimate decadence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these beauties at a gathering or just making an occasion out of dessert, Nutella Brownies play especially well with fresh seasonal berries or a side of whipped cream. A cold glass of milk or an espresso is classic, but a scoop of salted caramel ice cream brings out the rich hazelnut even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Cut brownies into mini bites for a party platter, stack them with parchment sheets for grab-and-go treats, or layer crumbled Nutella Brownies into parfaits with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Edible gold leaf or piped chocolate designs will definitely turn heads, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few squares left? Store the Nutella Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge—whichever you prefer. They stay chewy and fresh for 3 to 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

If you love your brownies warm and melty, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave does the trick. Just be careful not to zap them too long—Nutella Brownies are at their prime when lightly warmed, not piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella gives that classic flavor, most chocolate hazelnut spreads work well in this recipe. Just make sure the consistency is similar—some generic brands can be a bit runnier, which might slightly change the texture of your brownies.

Do Nutella Brownies taste better with or without chocolate chips?

That’s totally up to your chocolate threshold! The semi-sweet chips add gooey bites and extra richness, but the Nutella alone is more than enough for pure brownie joy. If you want them ultra-fudgy with pockets of melty chocolate, go for the chips.

How do I know when my Nutella Brownies are perfectly baked?

The toothpick test is your friend: poke the center with a toothpick, and if just a few moist crumbs cling to it, your brownies are ready. Every oven is a little different, so start checking near the 32-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

You sure can! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Can I make Nutella Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The result will still be chewy, fudgy, and packed with that delicious Nutella flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Nutella Brownies always disappear first at any gathering—they’re everything you want in a dessert: rich, chewy, and undeniably easy to love. Bake a batch, share with friends, or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here)—either way, you’ll become an instant legend in your kitchen. Give these Nutella Brownies a try, and get ready for major chocolatey happiness!

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