Description
Decadent Nutella Brownies with a perfectly fudgy texture, swirled with extra Nutella and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for a balanced sweetness and a hint of richness. These brownies combine the creamy hazelnut spread with classic baking ingredients to create an indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/3 cup (5 Tablespoons; 71g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
 - 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
 - 1 and 1/4 cups (370g) Nutella, divided
 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
 - 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
 
Optional
- 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
 - A sprinkle of sea salt
 
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal of brownies after baking. Set aside.
 - Cream butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and continue beating on high for 1-2 minutes until well combined and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
 - Add eggs and vanilla: Reduce mixer speed to low, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth mixture.
 - Incorporate Nutella and salt: Beat in 1 cup of Nutella and the salt until the batter is smooth and fluffy. Scrape the bowl again to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
 - Add flour and optional chocolate chips: On low speed, mix in the all-purpose flour just until combined. Do not overmix to avoid tough brownies. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
 - Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Drop teaspoonfuls of the remaining 1/4 cup Nutella on top of the batter. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella into the batter for a marbled effect. Sprinkle the top with sea salt if desired.
 - Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32-36 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Adjust time as needed depending on your oven.
 - Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift the brownies out using the foil or parchment overhang, then cut into squares. Optionally, sprinkle more sea salt on top before serving.
 - Storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
 
Notes
- To ensure fudgy brownies, avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
 - Using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs helps achieve a smoother batter.
 - Swirling the Nutella on top adds a beautiful marbled effect and extra richness.
 - A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
 - For a quicker bake, use an 8-inch pan; a 9-inch pan will reduce baking time slightly.
 - Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
 - Can be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 35 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American