Irresistibly Chewy Nutella Swirl Blondies: The Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe

Nutella Blondies are the ultimate delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella with the irresistible chewiness of a classic blondie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, buttery bar, enhanced by a beautiful swirl of creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. These cookie bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a moment of pure indulgence that will make your taste buds sing. Who could ever say no to a dessert featuring Nutella?

Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a small gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something wonderfully decadent, these Nutella Blondies are your perfect choice. They strike a harmonious balance between being incredibly easy to make and delivering an impressive, gourmet taste. Forget complicated recipes – these bars offer maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them a go-to for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll certainly want to explore more decadent recipes to satisfy your cravings. Dive into these other chocolate-infused delights:

• To Die For Peanut Butter Chocolate Blondies
• Chocolate Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why These Nutella Swirl Blondies Will Become Your New Favorite Dessert!

These aren’t just any blondies; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to bring joy with every bite. Here’s a deeper look into what makes these Nutella Blondies truly special and why you’ll want to make them again and again:

• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Unlike a cakey brownie, these blondies are celebrated for their wonderfully moist and chewy texture. The melted butter and brown sugar combination ensures a dense, satisfying bite that’s characteristic of an excellent blondie. Each piece offers that delightful resistance before melting in your mouth, making them utterly addictive. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a textural masterpiece!
• The Irresistible Nutella Factor: Let’s be honest, everything is better with Nutella. The creamy, rich chocolate-hazelnut spread is not just an ingredient here; it’s a star. Swirled throughout the blondie batter, it creates pockets of intense flavor that perfectly complement the sweet, buttery base. The Nutella brings a sophisticated depth and a luscious finish that elevates these bars from good to absolutely phenomenal. It’s the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut dream come true!
• A Hint of Warm Spices: What truly sets this recipe apart is the subtle yet impactful inclusion of cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm spices don’t overpower the Nutella or the blondie flavor but instead enhance them, adding a cozy, inviting aroma and a nuanced taste. It’s that “chef’s kiss” secret ingredient that makes these cookie bars feel gourmet and incredibly comforting, perfect for any season.
• Effortless Elegance with No Shaping: One of the greatest advantages of a bar recipe is its simplicity. There’s no tedious scooping or shaping required, unlike traditional cookies. You simply spread the batter into a pan, swirl in the Nutella, and bake. This makes them super quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute treats or when you want something impressive without the fuss. Just bake, slice, and serve!
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, these blondies come together remarkably fast. With minimal prep time and a relatively short baking duration, you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in under an hour. This makes them ideal for spontaneous cravings or when you need a delicious dessert in a pinch.
• A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert, a potluck contribution, a birthday party, or a holiday gathering, these Nutella blondies are always a hit. Their universal appeal and satisfying flavor ensure that they disappear quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Nutella Blondies

Crafting these delectable Nutella Swirl Blondies requires a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor profile. For the precise measurements and full ingredient list, be sure to check out the detailed recipe card below:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our blondies, unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your dessert. Melting the butter before combining it with sugar contributes to the dense, fudgy texture that makes blondies so irresistible, as opposed to creaming cold butter which incorporates more air and results in a cakier crumb.
• Brown Sugar: This is key to the blondies’ signature chewiness and deep, caramel-like flavor. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and contributes to the soft, tender crumb. Make sure to pack it firmly when measuring for accurate results.
• Nutella: The star of the show! This creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread provides a rich, indulgent flavor and a beautiful visual swirl. Use a good quality Nutella for the best taste. Dropping it in spoonfuls and gently swirling ensures you get those distinct pockets of hazelnut goodness throughout.
• Chocolate Chips: While Nutella provides plenty of chocolatey goodness, a handful of chocolate chips adds extra bursts of melty chocolate. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. They provide additional texture and an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence.
• Large Egg and Egg Yolk: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture. The addition of an extra egg yolk enhances the richness and contributes significantly to the blondies’ fudgy, chewy texture, making them even more decadent. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with other ingredients.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our blondies. Remember to spoon and level your flour to avoid over-measuring, which can lead to dry and tough blondies.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives the blondies a slight lift without making them too cakey.
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient helps make the blondies extra tender and chewy, preventing them from becoming too stiff or crumbly.
• Ground Nutmeg & Cinnamon: These warm spices add a subtle complexity and warmth, complementing the Nutella and brown sugar beautifully without overpowering them. They lend a cozy, inviting aroma and a hint of gourmet flair.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the sugars and Nutella, enhancing all the other flavors in the blondies.

A Simple Guide to Baking Your Nutella Blondies

Baking these delightful Nutella Blondies is a straightforward process, perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the kitchen. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly chewy, fudgy bars every time. Remember, precision and patience are your best friends in baking!

• Step 1. Prep and Preheat Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the blondies are ready to bake. Next, prepare an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles.” This will make it incredibly easy to lift the baked blondies out of the pan for clean cutting. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set this prepared pan aside.
• Step 2: Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly. It’s important for the butter to be melted but not hot, as hot butter can “cook” the eggs prematurely when combined.
• Step 3: Whisk All the Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients, ensuring that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents lumps and ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
• Step 4: Beat the Butter and Sugars: In another medium-sized bowl, pour the slightly cooled melted butter. Add the packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly paler in color. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the blondies’ desirable texture.
• Step 5: Add the Egg and Egg Yolk: Now, add the large egg and the extra egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Whisk just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tougher blondies.
• Step 6: Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: With a rubber spatula, gently fold the whisked dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add the chocolate chips at this point as well. Mix just until there are no more visible streaks of flour. The key here is not to overmix, which can develop the gluten in the flour and result in dense, tough blondies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Step 7: Distribute and Swirl the Nutella: Transfer the blondie batter into your prepped baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, take spoonfuls of Nutella and drop them randomly over the surface of the batter. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the Nutella through the batter. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct streaks of Nutella, not a fully mixed-in uniform color.
• Step 8: Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. Every oven is different, so start checking at 25 minutes. The blondies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding a Nutella swirl) comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Mine typically take exactly 25 minutes. Overbaking will result in dry blondies.
• Step 9: Cool Completely Before Cutting: Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for achieving clean, sharp cuts and allowing the blondies to set properly. Trying to cut them while warm will result in a messy, crumbly outcome. Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then slice into squares.

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Nutella Blondies

Achieving the perfect Nutella blondies – chewy, moist, and utterly delicious – is within reach with a few expert tips. These insights will help you avoid common baking pitfalls and elevate your blondie game:

• Invest in a High-Quality, Light-Colored Pan: This tip is incredibly important for even baking. Darker pans absorb more heat, which can lead to overbaked, burnt edges while the center remains undercooked. A light-colored aluminum pan distributes heat more evenly, ensuring your blondies bake uniformly and achieve that desired golden-brown crust without burning. You can find excellent quality pans like the one I use here.
• Always Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step! Preheat your oven for at least 20-30 minutes *before* you start baking. Ovens often signal they’ve reached the set temperature sooner than they actually have. A fully preheated oven ensures a stable baking environment, leading to consistent results and preventing your blondies from baking unevenly or sinking in the middle.
• Master the “Spoon and Level” Method for Flour: Accurate flour measurement is critical for baked goods. Instead of scooping flour directly from the bag (which can compact it and lead to too much flour), use a spoon to lightly fluff the flour in its container. Then, spoon it into your measuring cup until it overflows, and finally, level off the excess with the back of a knife. This method prevents dry, crumbly blondies caused by excess flour.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense blondies rather than the desired chewy, tender texture. A gentle hand and rubber spatula are your best tools here.
• Don’t Overbake Your Blondies: A common mistake is baking blondies until they are completely firm. Blondies are best when slightly underbaked in the center, which contributes to their gooey, fudgy texture. The edges should be set and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding any Nutella swirls) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.
• Ensure Ingredients are at the Right Temperature: While melted butter is used, ensure eggs and egg yolks are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Blondies

Here are some common questions you might have when baking these delicious Nutella Blondies. Understanding these will help ensure your baking success!

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch pan? Can I use a different size?

Absolutely! An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for the thickness of these blondies, but a 9×9 inch pan will also work. If you use a 9×9 inch pan, your blondies will be slightly thinner, so you might need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Always keep an eye on them and perform the toothpick test. If you wish to use a larger 9×13 inch pan, you will need to double the entire recipe to achieve a similar thickness. Baking time will also increase slightly, likely to 30-35 minutes.

How do you get those perfectly sharp, clean cuts?

Achieving clean cuts on your blondies (or any bar dessert) is all about technique and temperature. Firstly, ensure your dessert is completely cold before cutting – ideally chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even longer. Secondly, use a very sharp, non-serrated knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean with a damp cloth or paper towel after every single cut. This prevents crumbs and sticky residue from dragging across the next piece. Run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry for an even smoother cut.

Can I turn these Nutella Blondies into cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely adapt this recipe to make Nutella swirl cookies! The main change will be in the butter. Instead of melted butter, you’ll need to use cold, cubed butter. The process will then be similar to a traditional cookie recipe:

1. Use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer) to cream the cold butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which is essential for cookie texture.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Once you have your cookie dough, scoop it into balls. For the Nutella swirl, make a small indentation or hole in the center of each cookie dough ball, spoon in a little Nutella, and then gently close the dough around it or swirl it on top before baking.
5. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.

Can I omit the spices (cinnamon and nutmeg)?

Certainly! While the spices add a lovely warmth and depth, if you prefer a more straightforward chocolate-hazelnut flavor, you can simply leave out the cinnamon and nutmeg. The blondies will still be incredibly delicious and chewy.

How can I make my blondies fudgier?

For an even fudgier blondie, a couple of adjustments can help:

1. Slightly underbake them: Pull them out of the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks a bit soft and gooey. They will continue to set as they cool.
2. Increase the brown sugar slightly (by about 1/4 cup) and reduce the flour by a tablespoon or two. Brown sugar contributes to moisture and chewiness.
3. Add an extra egg yolk: As done in this recipe, an extra yolk boosts richness and fudginess.

Storing Your Delicious Nutella Blondies

To keep your Nutella Blondies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or save them for a special occasion, these tips will help preserve their chewy texture and rich flavor.

These Nutella Blondies can be stored in an airtight container or a large ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness, ensure they are completely cooled before storing, as any residual warmth can create condensation and make them soggy.

If you prefer them chilled, or if you want to extend their shelf life slightly, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Chilled blondies also tend to have a firmer, chewier bite and cut more cleanly.

How to freeze your Nutella Blondies for longer enjoyment

Blondies freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or having a treat on hand. To freeze your Nutella Blondies:

1. Ensure they are completely cooled and cut into individual squares.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together.
3. Once firm, transfer the blondie squares to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
4. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked gooeyness.

Once you give this delightful Nutella Blondie recipe a try, please take a moment to leave a star review! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, even if you just rate it without writing anything. To get more ideas on cakes, cookies, and other fantastic desserts, make sure to follow my pictures and updates here: [Link to Social Media/Gallery].

If you share your delicious creations on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me! I’d love to see your Nutella Blondies and feature them on my page!

For more tempting recipes, here are some of my other favorites that you might enjoy:

• Phenomenal and Festive Funfetti Birthday Cake
• Old Fashion Blueberry Donut Bundt Cake
• Season’s Best Triple Berry Cake

Recipe

Nutella Blondies

Molly Murphy

You’ll love these chewy cookie bars with a Nutella swirl, because who doesn’t love a Nutella dessert?

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Servings 16

Ingredients

 

 

For the bars

• ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 ounces Nutella
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

For the bars

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prep a 8×8 or a 9×9 pan by lining with parchment paper and spraying with cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
• In a medium sized bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to mix the melted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Whisk in the egg and egg yolk for 30 seconds and then add the vanilla extract Whisk just until combined.
• With a rubber spatula, fold the and the chocolate chips into the wet ingredients. Just mix until there are no more signs of flour. Don’t over mix.
• Place the dough into the prepped pan and evenly distribute across the pan.
• Drop the Nutella by spoonfuls over the batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the Nutella through the batter.
• Bake for 25-28 minutes. Mine took exactly 25 minutes.
• When the bars are done, let them cool completely before cutting.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!