Nutella Brownies Recipe: 9 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today

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🍫 Introduction: Why These Nutella Brownies Will Change Your Dessert Game

What if you could capture the magic of a chocolate-hazelnut spread and bake it into the fudgiest, most decadent dessert you’ve ever tasted? That’s exactly what Nutella Brownies promise—and they deliver in every single bite.

Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold evening or need a no-fail dessert for your next gathering, these Nutella Brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a crisp, crackly top, gooey center, and swirls of creamy Nutella throughout, this is the kind of recipe that turns casual bakers into baking legends.

And the best part? You only need one bowl, 40 minutes, and a few pantry staples to make them.

Table of Contents

🍯 What Are Nutella Brownies?

Nutella Brownies are a rich twist on the classic chocolate brownie, featuring the iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread we all know and love. Unlike traditional brownies that rely solely on cocoa powder or melted chocolate, these indulgent squares get their deep flavor and moist texture from a generous dose of Nutella.

The result? A dessert that’s ultra-fudgy in the center, crisp and shiny on top, and laced with the unmistakable flavor of roasted hazelnuts. While standard brownies hit the chocolate craving just fine, Nutella Brownies elevate the experience with their creamy swirls and nutty depth.

They’re the perfect fusion of a brownie and your favorite spread—dessert innovation at its most delicious.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Nutella Brownies Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who eats Nutella by the spoonful or never says no to a gooey brownie, this recipe was made for you. These Nutella Brownies check every dessert lover’s box: they’re fast, foolproof, and absolutely indulgent.

Here’s why they’re about to become your go-to treat:

  • Quick & Easy – Just one bowl and 10 minutes of prep. No mixer, no mess.
  • Incredible Texture – A shiny, crackly top gives way to a dense, fudgy center that melts in your mouth.
  • Bold Flavor – Each bite is packed with rich cocoa and creamy Nutella, balanced by a hint of sea salt.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – From potlucks to lazy Sundays, these brownies fit right in.
  • Customizable – Add chocolate chips, swirl in peanut butter, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra punch.

Trust us: once you try these Nutella Brownies, you’ll never go back to the boxed mix again.

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Nutella Brownies Recipe: 9 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today

Nutella Brownies Recipe: 9 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today


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  • Author: Jenna
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Nutella Brownies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey with swirls of creamy hazelnut spread throughout. With crisp tops and gooey centers, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert—quick to make and impossible to resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup Nutella

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)

  • Extra Nutella for swirling (optional)

  • Sea salt flakes (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt butter and Nutella over low heat until smooth. Let cool slightly.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and thick (about 1–2 minutes).

  4. Stir in the cooled Nutella-butter mixture and vanilla.

  5. In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into wet ingredients.

  6. Stir in chocolate chips or chunks if using.

  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Add warm Nutella dollops on top and swirl.

  8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set.

  9. Cool completely in the pan. Lift out and slice into squares.

Notes

For best swirls, warm Nutella slightly before adding to the batter.

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and fudgier texture.

Don’t overbake—pull from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

🧾 Ingredients for Nutella Brownies (and Why They Work)

Every ingredient in these Nutella Brownies plays a key role in delivering that signature fudgy, chocolate-hazelnut perfection. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Nutella Brownies ingredients arranged on a rustic kitchen table, including butter, cocoa, and a jar of Nutella.
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🥄 Core Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • 1 cup Nutella
    The star of the show! Nutella brings creamy hazelnut flavor and sweet cocoa to the batter.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
    Sweetens the brownies and contributes to the crackly top.
  • 2 large eggs
    Bind the ingredients and add moisture. Room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Enhances the chocolate and Nutella flavors.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    Just enough to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    Deepens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the Nutella.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    A small amount that enhances all the other flavors.

🍫 Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
    For extra gooey texture and bold chocolate flavor.
  • Extra Nutella for swirling
    Adds visual appeal and an extra punch of hazelnut-cocoa goodness.
  • Sea salt flakes
    A finishing touch that adds crunch and contrast to the sweetness.

🔁 Substitution Tips:

  • Swap Nutella for any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a twist.
  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive version.
  • Substitute brown sugar for part of the white sugar for a deeper flavor.

Related Article: Snickerdoodle Sandwiches Recipe: Soft Cookies with Creamy Filling

👩‍🍳 How to Make Nutella Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Nutella Brownies is surprisingly simple, even if you’re a baking beginner. With just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, you’ll be sinking your teeth into gooey, chocolate-hazelnut perfection in no time.

Swirling Nutella into brownie batter in a lined baking pan, close-up view.
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🔥 Step 1: Melt the Butter and Nutella

In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, gently melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup Nutella over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined. Let cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later.

🥄 Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2/3 cup sugar for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture is light and slightly thickened. This helps create that shiny, crackly top.

🧁 Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour the cooled Nutella-butter mixture into the egg mixture. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.

🌾 Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture—don’t overmix!

🍫 Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If using, fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks for an even richer brownie.

🧾 Step 6: Pour Batter & Swirl Nutella

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and smooth the top. Warm a few spoonfuls of Nutella and dollop it on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it beautifully through the batter.

🔥 Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set. Don’t overbake—slightly underdone is ideal for fudginess.

🧊 Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.

🧠 Expert Baking Tips for Fudgy Nutella Brownies

Want to take your Nutella Brownies from good to phenomenal? These expert tips will help you master the texture, flavor, and presentation with ease:

🥚 1. Use Room Temperature Eggs

Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize or mix unevenly. Room temperature eggs ensure a smoother, more cohesive batter—and a better final texture in your Nutella Brownies.

⏱️ 2. Don’t Overbake

The secret to irresistibly fudgy Nutella Brownies? Pull them from the oven when the center is still slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, locking in that gooey magic.

🌪 3. Warm the Nutella Before Swirling

Slightly warming the Nutella makes it easier to swirl into the batter. You’ll get gorgeous marbled patterns and better distribution of flavor throughout your brownies.

🔪 4. Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting your Nutella Brownies cool completely ensures clean slices and a firm, fudgy texture.

🧂 5. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt

Flaky sea salt on top enhances the chocolate-hazelnut flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.

🔄 Delicious Variations to Try on Your Nutella Brownies

Once you’ve mastered the classic Nutella Brownies, it’s time to have some fun! Here are a few easy twists that bring bold new flavors or cater to special diets—without sacrificing that rich, fudgy core we all love.

🥜 1. Nut-Free Chocolate Spread Swap

For those with nut allergies, substitute the Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread or sunflower seed butter. You’ll still get that luscious texture and chocolaty taste without the hazelnuts.

🍫 2. Double Chocolate Overload

Amp up the chocolate intensity by mixing in dark chocolate chunks or topping the batter with mini chocolate chips before baking. These ultra-rich Nutella Brownies are not for the faint of heart!

🍯 3. Salted Caramel Swirl

Want to impress guests? Swirl in caramel sauce instead of extra Nutella for a buttery, salty-sweet combo that pairs beautifully with the fudgy base.

🥥 4. Coconut Dream

Add shredded coconut to the batter and top with toasted flakes after baking for a tropical twist. It gives the Nutella Brownies a chewy texture and nutty depth.

🌱 5. Vegan-Friendly Version

Replace the butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and swap Nutella for a vegan hazelnut spread. It’s indulgence without compromise.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Your Nutella Brownies

You’ve baked the perfect batch of Nutella Brownies—now it’s time to enjoy them in style! Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with a crowd, here are some fun, delicious ways to serve these chocolate-hazelnut delights.

🍨 1. A la Mode

Warm up a brownie and top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, creamy and fudgy, is absolute dessert bliss.

🧁 2. Dressed-Up Dessert Platter

Arrange Nutella Brownies on a serving tray with fresh berries, whipped cream, and drizzled chocolate sauce for an easy, elegant party treat.

💝 3. Gifting & Holidays

Cut your brownies into hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for the Fourth of July, or wrap them in cellophane bags with ribbons for holiday gifts. These brownies are made to impress.

🥛 4. Keep It Classic

Sometimes simple is best. Pair your brownie with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, and let the flavors speak for themselves.

Plated Nutella Brownies with glossy tops, served with a glass of milk on a cozy kitchen table.
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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Nutella Brownies

Once you’ve tasted these Nutella Brownies, it’s tempting to eat the whole pan. But if you manage to save a few (or plan ahead for a batch), here’s how to store them for maximum freshness and flavor:

🕒 How to Store

  • Room Temperature: Keep Nutella Brownies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
  • Refrigeration: Want to keep them a bit longer? Store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just let them come to room temp before serving for that gooey texture.

❄️ Can You Freeze Nutella Brownies?

Absolutely! These brownies freeze beautifully.

  • How to Freeze: Wrap each brownie square individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months.
  • Thawing Tip: Let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

🔄 Make-Ahead Tip

Planning for a party or meal prep? Bake a batch, cool completely, then slice and freeze. You’ll always have a stash of Nutella Brownies ready to go!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Brownies

1. Can I double the Nutella Brownies recipe?

Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5–8 minutes to the bake time and test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

2. Can I use store-brand hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely. Any chocolate-hazelnut spread will work, but keep in mind that flavors and sweetness levels may vary slightly.

3. How do I know when Nutella Brownies are done baking?

The center should be just set, and a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Overbaking will lead to a cakier texture.

4. Can I make Nutella Brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can replace cocoa powder with an equal amount of flour, but the brownies will be slightly lighter in flavor. For a deeper chocolate profile, cocoa is recommended.

6. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without drastically changing the texture. Keep in mind that Nutella already adds sweetness.

7. What size pan should I use for Nutella Brownies?

An 8×8-inch square baking pan is ideal for thick, fudgy brownies. Using a larger pan will result in thinner brownies and reduced bake time.

🎉 Conclusion: Your New Favorite Brownie Recipe Awaits

Nutella Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a mood booster, a crowd-pleaser, and a must-have in every chocolate lover’s recipe box. With their glossy tops, fudgy centers, and irresistible swirls of chocolate-hazelnut goodness, it’s no wonder these brownies win hearts at first bite.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a festive party, or a spontaneous treat-yourself moment, this Nutella Brownies recipe has your back. Quick to make, wildly delicious, and endlessly customizable—what’s not to love?

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