There are moments in life when the stars align, and everything just feels right. One such evening, I found myself in a cozy café, sipping a rich espresso while watching the world go by. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, and my eyes landed on a plate of brownies so enticing they seemed to whisper my name. Inspired by that moment, I hurried home and began experimenting until I created these Decadent Espresso Hazelnut Brownies – a luscious blend of deep chocolate, nutty hazelnut, and the bold kick of espresso. Perfect for sharing or indulging alone, these brownies are sure to elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped hazelnuts
½ cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons espresso powder
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. The anticipation of the aroma that will soon fill your kitchen is simply delightful.
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring until well combined. The mixture should look glossy and inviting, like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Next, incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and give it a final stir to infuse everything with that delightful flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our brownies to have that fudgy texture.
Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips, letting the rich flavors meld together. The chunks of chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts will create a wonderful contrast in every bite.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The thick batter is a promise of the delight to come.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be set at the edges but soft in the middle for that perfect fudgy texture.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, consider the joy of sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself – no judgment here!
After cooling, dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a finishing touch that adds elegance to your dessert. Slice them into squares, and you’re ready to serve. These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy the rich, nutty, and coffee-infused flavors that will surely transport you back to that café. Each bite is a reminder of how simple moments can inspire delicious creations.