Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Bars that combine the delightful flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts for a truly irresistible treat!
Ingredients:
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for a delicious swirl or topping)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt Chocolate and Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
Mix Sugar and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Chocolate Mixture:
Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture until fully combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Peanut Butter:
If desired, drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Serve and Enjoy:
These bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack. Enjoy them plain or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips:
Nutty Variation: For extra flavor, you can add chopped hazelnuts or other nuts into the batter.
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
