Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Brownies: An Easy Recipe with JIF’s New Spread
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering exciting new products at the grocery store, especially when they promise to elevate your baking game. Just recently, my culinary adventures led me to not one, but two fantastic finds that sparked an immediate craving for something sweet and nutty. The first was JIF’s new chocolate hazelnut spread, a delectable creation that hints at rich, creamy indulgence. The second was McCormick’s new hazelnut extract, a concentrated burst of flavor perfect for amplifying that distinct hazelnut aroma. It felt like a banner week for a baker, with these new additions practically jumping into my cart, promising endless possibilities for delicious treats.
I didn’t hesitate for a second, adding both items to my shopping cart without a concrete plan for their use. However, I had an unwavering feeling that they would find their purpose sooner rather than later. As fate would have it, that purpose presented itself much quicker than anticipated. The very same evening, after a delightful session of browsing tempting dessert photos on Pinterest, my daughter Fuzz and I found ourselves drawn to the kitchen. It was the perfect moment for some spontaneous, late-night baking, turning those newfound ingredients into a truly special treat. While I took charge of the mixing, pouring, and baking, Fuzz, ever the clever strategist, feigned intense interest in the process, likely to delay her bedtime – a common and amusing tactic in our household.
The beauty of these brownies lies in their impromptu origin. Crafted from ingredients already on hand, they truly embody the spirit of easy, accessible baking. The core components included the star of the show, the new JIF chocolate hazelnut spread, a touch of that wonderful hazelnut extract, and a convenient pouch of Betty Crocker brownie mix. This combination promised a shortcut to deliciousness, allowing us to focus on the creative swirl rather than starting from scratch. These brownies turned out so wonderfully that I’m even considering taking them to the school. Perhaps they’ll be just the right incentive to bribe the lovely ladies in the office to magically produce a yearbook for Fuzz. Despite yearbooks being completely sold out and a lengthy waiting list, one can always hope! Every year, I purchase one, and she’s never in it. The one year I decide not to, she’ll undoubtedly appear on every single page. Such is the way of things, isn’t it? But I digress.
Let’s talk about these glorious brownies.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a simple desire to combine classic brownie comfort with the rich, luxurious notes of chocolate and hazelnut. The addition of a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl takes these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary, adding not only a beautiful visual marble effect but also an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully moist texture. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for novice bakers, proving that you don’t need a gourmet kitchen or complex techniques to create something truly impressive and utterly delicious.
The JIF chocolate hazelnut spread, a relatively new player in the market, brings a delightful balance of sweet cocoa and nutty hazelnut, perfectly complemented by the subtle aromatic boost from the McCormick hazelnut extract. Together, these ingredients transform a simple boxed brownie mix into a sophisticated dessert that tastes entirely homemade. The cream cheese swirl, beaten with sugar and an egg, adds a luscious contrast, its slight tang cutting through the richness of the chocolate and hazelnut, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
Baking these brownies is a relatively quick process, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute dessert or a weeknight treat. The simple steps involve preparing the brownie batter, then whipping up the cream cheese mixture, dividing it, and infusing one part with the hazelnut spread and extract. The gentle marbling technique creates a stunning visual appeal that belies the minimal effort involved. The result is a pan of brownies that looks as good as it tastes, boasting a beautifully patterned top with swirls of dark chocolate and creamy hazelnut. These easy chocolate hazelnut swirl brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, offering a delightful twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Brownies
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pouch brownie mix Betty Crocker for an 8 inch square pan
- Oil egg and water as indicated on package
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of new Jif chocolate hazelnut spread or another brand
- ⅛ teaspoon hazelnut extract optional, but highly recommended for enhanced flavor
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). For easy removal and cleanup, line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the sides to create “handles.” Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
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Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, using the specified amounts of oil, egg, and water. Once mixed, spread the rich, chocolatey batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Divide this cream cheese mixture into two portions: put approximately two-thirds of the plain cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, spreading it gently. To the remaining one-third of the cream cheese mixture, add the 3 tablespoons of JIF chocolate hazelnut spread (or your chosen brand) and the optional ⅛ teaspoon of hazelnut extract. Mix until thoroughly combined. Drop spoonfuls of this chocolate hazelnut-infused cream cheese mixture over the plain cream cheese layer in the pan. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the two cream cheese mixtures together to create a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, or the distinct swirl pattern will be lost.
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Bake the brownies on the center rack of your preheated oven for about 28 to 30 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if the center still appears quite jiggly when you take them out; this is normal, similar to baking cheesecakes. The brownies will set as they cool. Remove the pan from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire cooling rack. This cooling process is crucial for the brownies to firm up properly. After cooling, refrigerate the brownies for at least 3 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling period allows the cream cheese layer to fully set, making for cleaner cuts and a more satisfying texture.
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Once thoroughly chilled and ready to serve, carefully lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan using the foil handles. Place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into 12 or 16 squares, depending on your preferred serving size or the occasion. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest slices. Enjoy these rich, flavorful chocolate hazelnut swirl brownies!
Notes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing individual squares with a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chopped hazelnuts before serving.
If you can’t find JIF chocolate hazelnut spread, any other brand of chocolate hazelnut spread will work just as well. The key is to enjoy the rich, nutty chocolate flavor!
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are equally delicious cold or brought to room temperature before enjoying.