Brownies with nuts

Brownies with Hazelnuts – a quick and delicious dessert

In search of a quick and simple dessert, brownies with hazelnuts are the perfect choice. These treats are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion. With a soft texture and an intense chocolate flavor, these brownies are perfectly balanced by the crunchiness of the hazelnuts. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve exceptional results.

Total time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 150 g butter
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 g roasted and unsalted hazelnuts

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the chocolate and butter are at room temperature to melt evenly. The hazelnuts can be used whole or roughly chopped, depending on your preference.

2. Melting the chocolate: Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of boiling water (double boiler). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

3. Beating the eggs: In another large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes fluffy and light in color. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

4. Combining the ingredients: Carefully fold the melted chocolate (which should be warm, not hot) into the egg mixture, gently stirring with a spatula. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling.

5. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl with the chocolate and eggs. Gently mix using a spatula until no traces of flour remain. Important: do not overmix, as this could develop the gluten, making the brownies denser.

6. Including the hazelnuts: Fold the hazelnuts into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute them evenly. They will add a wonderful crunchy texture and a unique flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm) with parchment paper and pour the brownie mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist chocolate strands.

8. Cooling and serving: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tray before cutting them into squares. They can be served warm, with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast, or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Personal suggestion: if you want to add a note of flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract or a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a new dimension to your brownies.

Enjoy! These brownies with hazelnuts are not just a simple recipe but also an unforgettable experience for any chocolate lover. Savor every bite and enjoy the reactions of your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 170g chocolate, 100g soft butter, 2 eggs, 100-150g sugar, a pinch of salt, 100-150g flour, vanilla, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 100g hazelnuts or walnuts