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If you have a sweet tooth that craves something truly irresistible, the Browned Butter Nutella Blondies with Nutella Pockets Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine rich, nutty browned butter blending with the deep, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella baked into soft blondies, while luscious hidden pockets of Nutella burst with gooey delight in every bite. This treat perfectly balances buttery sweetness, creamy swirls, and surprise centers, making it a heavenly dessert for sharing or savoring solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are humble yet essential, each delivering a key role to the flavors, textures, and that inviting golden color you’ll adore. From the lush brown sugar sweetness to the tang of cream cheese and, of course, the star Nutella, every item works together to craft blissful blondies with a soft, rich texture.
- Nutella: The chocolate-hazelnut spread adds richness and forms the delicious pockets inside the blondies.
- Butter (10 tablespoons): Browning it adds a nutty depth that elevates the entire dessert.
- Dark brown sugar (2 cups): Packed for moisture and that classic caramel sweetness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a slight tang and creamy texture to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients and provide structure.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates the perfect tender crumb for blondies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise just right.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Additional Nutella (¼ cup): Swirled into the batter for extra pockets of chocolaty goodness.
How to Make Browned Butter Nutella Blondies with Nutella Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Nutella Pockets
Start by lining a small baking sheet with wax paper and clearing space in your freezer for the Nutella dollops. Divide 1 cup of Nutella into roughly 12 small spoonfuls on the wax paper; these will form the delightful Nutella pockets inside the blondies. Pop the tray in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the batter — this step ensures that hidden gooey surprise inside each blondie.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x11x2 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well. This ensures that your blondies come out cleanly without losing any of their golden edges, making for a prettier presentation and easier serving.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
Take a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the foam starts turning golden and an irresistible nutty aroma fills your kitchen. This browning process intensifies the flavor dramatically and is the secret to making these blondies unforgettable. Once browned, pour the butter immediately into a mixing bowl to stop cooking.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Cream Cheese
Into the warm browned butter, stir in the dark brown sugar and softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes light and slightly fluffy — this gives your batter airiness and a wonderful creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender blondie crumb.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Add in the vanilla extract for a burst of warm, familiar sweetness, then incorporate the eggs one at a time. Beat thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This ensures a cohesive batter that will bake evenly and rise just right.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Instead of mixing the dry ingredients straight away, stir the baking soda and salt into the flour with a small spoon first. Then gently fold this dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined. Overmixing could toughen your blondies, so it’s best to keep it light and gentle.
Step 7: Swirl in Nutella
With a rubber spatula, add the remaining ¼ cup of Nutella to the batter and swirl it in. Don’t fully stir it; leaving those luscious streaks of chocolate throughout the blondie batter creates visual appeal and extra pockets of flavor.
Step 8: Layer the Nutella Pockets
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Then remove the Nutella dollops from the freezer and gently press each one into the batter, distributing them evenly across the surface. Cover the dollops lightly with more batter, smoothing the top to encase those gooey surprises inside.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the blondies for 27 to 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges feel very set. It’s okay if the center looks slightly gooey—that means your pockets are perfectly molten inside. Keep an eye on the edges getting too dark to avoid overbaking your masterpiece.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Once baked, cool the entire pan completely on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper sling to lift the blondies out easily and cut into bars. Each one will reveal those creamy Nutella pockets making every bite a decadent delight that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Browned Butter Nutella Blondies with Nutella Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top or lightly dust with powdered sugar. A drizzle of warm Nutella or a dollop of whipped cream adds decadence for those moments when presentation matters as much as taste.
Side Dishes
These blondies are rich enough to shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote brings out the buttery nuttiness and balances sweetness beautifully. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte complements the deep flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered dessert plate for an impressive display at your next gathering. Wrap individual blondies in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for homemade edible gifts. You can also serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their soft, chewy texture intact and the Nutella pockets deliciously gooey.
Freezing
You can freeze the blondies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly if desired to bring back that molten Nutella goodness.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked feel, gently warm your blondies in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through. This melts the Nutella pockets again and refreshes the tender texture without drying out your treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can replace cream cheese with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the texture and slight tang may vary slightly. Cream cheese adds a uniquely creamy richness that complements the browned butter beautifully.
What size pan should I use?
A standard 8x11x2 inch (2-quart) baking dish is perfect to get the right thickness and baking time. Using a larger pan will produce thinner blondies, while a smaller one will require longer baking.
Is browned butter necessary?
Absolutely—it brings out a toasty, nutty flavor that transforms ordinary blondies into an unforgettable treat. If you skip this step, the flavor won’t be as rich or complex.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar provides moisture and deep caramel notes essential for this recipe’s texture and flavor, so it’s best not to substitute with regular granulated sugar unless in a pinch.
How do I prevent Nutella from sinking during baking?
Freezing the Nutella dollops before embedding them into the batter helps them maintain their shape and position. Pressing them gently into the batter right before baking also ensures they stay suspended inside the blondies rather than sinking to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for friends, a special occasion, or a sweet personal indulgence, the Browned Butter Nutella Blondies with Nutella Pockets Recipe offers a luxurious fusion of flavors and textures that feel truly special. Once you taste those buttery, Nutella-filled bites, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and delight in every gooey, nutty morsel!
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