What happens when you combine gooey chocolate chips with the richness of Nutella in a batch of homemade blondies? A game changing dessert that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat. With a simple mix of Nutella and melted butter, these chewy bars are a family favorite. Save this idea for your next baking adventure.

Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, the unique taste of Nutella, and the simplicity of a blondie. The Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies are a creative twist on traditional desserts, offering an explosion of flavors with the ease of using everyday ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress with minimal effort, as it requires basic kitchen skills and ingredients that are easily found in most grocery stores. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of substitutions and additions to make it your own. Whether you’re a fan of Nutella, chocolate chips, or just looking for a new dessert to add to your repertoire, these blondies are sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of Nutella and chocolate chips provides a deep, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that is both rich and accessible. The ingredients are common, making this recipe easy to execute without a special trip to the store.
• Ease of preparation: The blondies require minimal preparation. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake until done. This ease of preparation makes it perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is impressive. The blondies are dense, fudgy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for serving to guests or as a special treat for the family.

Key Ingredients

The Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies rely on a few key ingredients to achieve their distinctive flavor and texture. Nutella, with its chocolate-hazelnut taste, is the star of the show, providing a deep, rich flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolate flavor and texture. All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt form the base of the blondies, while granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness. Eggs and vanilla extract help to bind the ingredients together and add depth of flavor. Finally, a bit of olive oil keeps the blondies moist. For those looking for substitutions, almond flour can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option, and different types of chocolate chips (like milk chocolate or white chocolate) can be used to change up the flavor profile.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients. Chop the chocolate chips if they are large, crack the eggs into a bowl, and measure out the Nutella, sugars, flour, and other dry ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the Nutella, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chocolate chips. If using nuts or any other mix-ins, now is the time to add them. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Step 4: Bake the blondies for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

Handy Tips

• For a chewier blondie, bake for 20 minutes. For a more set blondie, bake for 25 minutes.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough blondies.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the blondies before baking for an added touch of flavor and texture.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the blondies is 350°F (180°C). It’s crucial to not overbake, as this can dry out the blondies. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the blondies are done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The texture of the blondies should be dense and fudgy, with a slight crunch from the chocolate chips. To achieve this, avoid overbaking and consider adding nuts or other crunchy mix-ins to the batter. If you prefer a chewier blondie, bake for a shorter time. For a more set blondie, bake for a longer time.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Don’t open the oven door during the baking time, as this can cause the blondies to sink or not bake evenly.

Storage Tips

• Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the blondies. Cut them into bars, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Reheat blondies in the microwave for a few seconds to restore freshness and warmth.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies are perfect for gifting. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or bags. Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a gift bag or box. Add a ribbon or a gift tag for a personal touch. These blondies are also a great addition to care packages, gift baskets, or as a sweet treat for coworkers and friends.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the blondies with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the blondies are too dry, they may have been overbaked. If they are too wet, they may not have been baked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have Nutella, you can make a substitute by mixing together chocolate chips and hazelnut butter. If you don’t have eggs, consider using a flax egg or applesauce as a replacement.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the blondies while they are baking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. If the center is still wet after the recommended baking time, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cut them into bars, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or another gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and bake in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted due to the larger size.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor and dense, fudgy texture, they are sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these blondies are a great addition to your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey, chocolatey goodness that they have to offer.