If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines rich chocolaty goodness with a playful holiday twist, then the Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe beautifully marries the deep, luscious flavor of dark chocolate with the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts, all topped with adorable reindeer faces made from candy and pretzels. It’s the perfect way to delight both your taste buds and your festive spirit, creating brownies that taste as joyful as they look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance. From the buttery richness to the crunch of hazelnuts, every element works harmoniously to bring these brownies to life.
- 60 g butter: Provides a creamy richness and moist texture crucial for brownies.
- 150 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crispy crust.
- 75 g dark brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
- 125 g dark chocolate: Infuses an intense, deeply chocolatey base.
- 1 tbsp syrup: Adds moisture and helps prevent the brownies from drying out.
- 2 eggs: Bind all the ingredients while creating fluffiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- 100 g flour: Provides structure without overpowering the fudge-like center.
- 20 g cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate intensity and color depth.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift for a tender crumb.
- 100 g hazelnuts: Offer delightful crunch and a nutty complement to the chocolate.
- Sugar eyes: Fun candy details to bring your reindeer brownies to life.
- Red M&M’s: Create cute, festive noses.
- Pretzels: Perfect for crafting charming antlers with a salty bite.
- 30 g milk chocolate: Melted to help attach decorations securely.
How to Make Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Combine
Start by gently melting the butter, both sugars, dark chocolate, and syrup together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This careful melting process ensures your brownies will have that beautifully fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Once combined, set it aside to cool slightly so it won’t curdle the eggs later.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key—it aerates the batter, giving your brownies a tender crumb without losing that dense, rich quality we all love. Then, carefully fold in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, mixing gently on low speed until smooth and even.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Hazelnuts
Now sprinkle in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix everything on low speed just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the brownies moist and soft. Finally, fold in the chopped hazelnuts, which will add an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor to every bite.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into a lined 20 by 20 cm baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for about 25 minutes. You’re aiming for a dry top with a slightly soft and gooey center—this balance is what makes these brownies stand out. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting for the cleanest slices.
Step 5: Decorate the Reindeer
Melt the milk chocolate to act as “glue” for your decorations. Use this to attach sugar eyes, red M&M noses, and pretzel antlers to each brownie square. This playful final step transforms the cupcakes into festive rendier characters that will bring smiles to every dessert lover’s face.
How to Serve Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder around the plate to enhance the visual appeal and provide an extra flavor punch. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonders to elevate this treat.
Side Dishes
This Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh berries to balance the richness, or a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea that complements the chocolatey intensity. It’s a charming centerpiece for dessert tables at cozy holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive presentation, serve the brownies on rustic wooden platters or colorful holiday-themed trays. You can arrange them into a reindeer shape or surround them with fresh pine branches and fairy lights to delight guests visually as well as through taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and decorated, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their perfect chewiness intact.
Freezing
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to pull out a festive treat whenever you desire.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies warm, simply thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make excellent alternatives and still provide the satisfying crunch that balances the fudgy brownies perfectly.
Do I have to use dark chocolate, or can I use milk chocolate instead?
Dark chocolate is recommended for its rich, intense flavor that balances the sweetness, but you can swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter, milder taste.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The top should look dry and set, but the center should still feel slightly soft when gently pressed. This ensures a moist, gooey texture inside.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup to keep the texture just right.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate for decorating?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to melt the milk chocolate gently without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe is such a delightful way to showcase your baking creativity while enjoying a classic, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or simply to brighten a casual afternoon, these brownies bring warmth, texture, and festive fun to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch your loved ones fall head over heels for these charming little reindeer delights!
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Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightfully rich Rendier Hazelnoot Brownies feature a deep chocolate flavor with a nutty crunch from hazelnuts. These festive brownies are decorated to resemble reindeer, making them a perfect holiday treat that combines a fudgy texture with playful candy decorations.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 60 g butter
- 1 tbsp syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Sugars & Chocolate
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 75 g dark brown sugar
- 125 g dark chocolate
- 30 g milk chocolate (for decoration)
Dry Ingredients
- 100 g flour
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
Add-ins & Decorations
- 100 g hazelnuts
- Sugar eyes
- Red M&M’s
- Pretzels (for antlers)
Instructions
- Melt and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter along with the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, dark chocolate, and syrup. Stir frequently until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Beat Eggs and Mix: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy. Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture while mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Nuts: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder to the batter. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Gently fold in the hazelnuts ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Prepare for Baking: Line a 20×20 cm baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 25 minutes. The top should be dry while the inside remains soft and fudgy. Once done, let the brownies cool completely within the pan before slicing.
- Decorate: Melt the milk chocolate gently and use it as an adhesive to attach the decoration pieces. Place red M&M’s as noses, sugar eyes for the eyes, and pretzels to create antlers, turning each brownie slice into a whimsical reindeer.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate mixture cools slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies moist inside.
- Use good quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Decorations are customizable; feel free to swap candies based on preference.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before decorating to prevent melting the candy features.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
