Blondies are the underrated cousin of brownies—rich, chewy, and full of deep caramel flavors. Add a swirl of Nutella, and you’ve got a dessert that’s next-level delicious. These Easy Swirled Nutella Blondies combine the nutty, buttery taste of browned butter with the creamy, chocolatey goodness of Nutella for a dessert that’s truly irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the simplicity of bar cookies but craves something a little extra. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these blondies will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: This one-bowl recipe comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
- Rich and Decadent: Brown butter gives these blondies a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
- Chewy and Gooey: The texture is everything you want in a blondie—dense, chewy, and slightly gooey in the center.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual treat or a fancy dessert, these Nutella-swirled blondies fit the bill.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Nutella (for swirling on top)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Small heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Sharp knife or toothpick (for swirling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Brown Butter
Brown butter is the secret to the deep, caramel-like flavor in these blondies. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring continuously.
- Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the butter becomes foamy and turns a golden brown color. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Let it cool to room temperature (it doesn’t need to harden).
2. Prepare the Blondie Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Once the butter has cooled, mix it with the brown sugar and granulated sugar using a mixer or whisk until fully combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the beautiful crinkly top.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough.
3. Swirl in the Nutella
- Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of Nutella on top of the batter.
- Use a sharp knife or toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
4. Bake and Cool
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and let the blondies cool completely (about 1-2 hours). This allows them to fully set and develop their chewy texture.
- Once cooled, slice into 16 equal squares and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overbake: The key to soft, chewy blondies is pulling them out of the oven while the center is slightly gooey.
- Use Different Nut Butters: Swap Nutella for peanut butter, almond butter, or even Biscoff spread for a fun twist.
- Add Crunch: Fold in chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts for added texture.
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, mix in a handful of chocolate chips before baking.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with salted caramel after baking for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to Serve with Nutella Blondies
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
- Glass of Milk: A classic combo that never fails!
FAQ
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Can I use melted butter instead of brown butter?
You can, but you’ll miss out on the deep, nutty flavor that brown butter brings. If you’re short on time, melted butter will still yield a delicious blondie.
How do I get perfect Nutella swirls?
Use a toothpick or sharp knife and gently drag it through the Nutella in circular motions. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the distinct swirls.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I know when my blondies are done?
The edges should be set, and the center should look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Swirled Nutella Blondies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their rich, nutty flavor and gooey Nutella swirls, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.
If you try this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes straight to your inbox. Happy baking!
