Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the rich nuttiness of brown butter with the creamy sweetness of Nutella, then you’re in for a treat! These Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie, featuring a luscious core of Nutella that oozes with every bite. Perfect for sharing (or not!), these blondies are chewy, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Let’s dive into why these blondies work so beautifully, the essentials you’ll need, and how to whip them up right in your kitchen!

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of these Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The nutty aroma of browned butter enhances the sweetness of the dough, creating a deep, rich flavor profile. The addition of Nutella not only adds a silky chocolate-hazelnut filling but also ensures that every bite is a delightful surprise. The mix of semisweet chocolate chunks and coarsely chopped hazelnuts provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, chewy blondie base. It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!

The Essentials

To make these delicious blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (175g) Nutella
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks/170g) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 1/4 cup (250g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (75g) semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
• 1/2 cup (65g) coarsely chopped hazelnuts
• Maldon flake sea salt, for topping

Hardware & Gadgets

To create these Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies, you’ll need a few important tools:

• 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect for achieving that ideal blondie thickness.
• Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk – to mix your ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula – for folding in the chocolate chunks and hazelnuts.
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key for baking!
• Parchment paper – for easy removal of the blondies from the pan.

Method: Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and the browned butter. Whisk until well combined. Add in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks and chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Assemble the Blondies

Spread half of the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spoon to dollop the Nutella evenly over the batter, then spread the remaining blondie batter on top, ensuring the Nutella is well covered.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Finish with a sprinkle of Maldon flake sea salt for that extra touch!

Make It Your Way

These Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies are versatile, and you can customize them to suit your taste:

• Nut butter alternative: Swap Nutella for almond butter or peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Flavored chips: Try using white chocolate or butterscotch chips in place of semisweet chocolate.
• Nut variations: Use walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts if hazelnuts aren’t your thing.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the flavor profile.

Author’s Commentary

I absolutely love how these Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies bring together the warmth of brown butter with the indulgence of Nutella. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. The combination of textures from the crunchy hazelnuts and gooey filling makes each bite a delightful experience. Trust me, once you try these blondies, they’ll become a regular in your baking repertoire!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can make the blondie batter a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to bake, simply let it come to room temperature before spreading it in the baking pan. You can also bake the blondies ahead of time, and they’ll keep well at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving!

Reader Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you do use salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the kosher salt.

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Absolutely! If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy or simply prefers a nut-free version, you can omit the hazelnuts without any issues.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool.

Explore More

• Sally’s Baking Addiction for more scrumptious dessert ideas.
• Pinch of Yum for delicious recipes and stunning photography.
• Minimalist Baker for simple, plant-based recipes.
• Food Network for a wide variety of recipes from top chefs.

The Last Word

These Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter Blondies are a true testament to the joy of baking. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with loved ones, each bite is a sweet reminder of the simple pleasures that come from the kitchen. Happy baking!