Chocolatey decadent brownies full of Nutella, hazelnuts, and caramel, topped with a pinch of sea salt for a super fudgy treat! Easier to make and tastier than a box mix! These brownies will be added to your go-to recipe lineup!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 28 – 35 minutes
Servings: 9
Yield: 9-inch x 9-inch baking pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until creamed. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer running on low speed, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then beat in 1 cup Nutella and salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer running on low speed, add the flour, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. Finally, gently fold hazelnuts or nuts into the chocolaty mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop 6 teaspoons of Nutella on top of brownie batter (note, there will be about ¾ cup left), and if using dulce de leche around the Nutella. Using a knife, swirl the Nutella and dulce de leche into the batter. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Bake the brownies for 28 – 35 minutes. Keep your eye on them and test with a toothpick to determine doneness. If the toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs, the brownies are done. The brownies may take a few minutes longer; all ovens vary.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares or use cookie cutters to create shapes. You can top each with softened reserved Nutella and more sea salt if desired. Dig in!!