Nestled in the realm of homemade treats, the hazelnut has long stood as a symbol of luxury and indulgence. When paired with the classic chocolate chip, it transforms a simple bar into a symphony of exquisite flavors. Today, I am delighted to share with you the recipe for Heavenly Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Bars, a creation that marries rustic charm with sophisticated taste.
This recipe is a nod to the timeless love affair between chocolate and nuts. The inspiration behind these bars comes from an old family notebook, stained with vanilla essence and speckled with flour – a testament to the many afternoons spent perfecting the balance of sweet and nutty. As you read through these lines, imagine the aroma of toasted hazelnuts wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of baking chocolate.
The combination of hazelnuts and chocolate is steeped in history, finding its roots in the confectioneries of Europe. This pairing has graced the tables of aristocrats and now comes to you, ready to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. Each bar is a slice of history, a piece of culinary art that’s both timeless and modern.
What sets these bars apart is their texture – a delicate crust that gives way to a soft, chewy center, studded with generous chunks of chocolate and the crunch of hazelnuts. The chocolate chips melt ever so slightly, creating pockets of creamy goodness that contrast beautifully with the toasted nuts. The importance of texture in baking cannot be overstated, and these bars are a masterclass in achieving that perfect mouthfeel.
The choice of hazelnuts is deliberate, as they offer not just flavor but also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Combined with the mood-lifting properties of chocolate, these bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a small boon for your wellbeing. Baking, after all, is as much about feeding the soul as it is about nourishing the body.
In crafting these bars, I’ve learned that patience truly is a virtue. The dough needs to rest, the chocolate needs to melt just right, and the nuts need to be toasted to a turn. The result is worth the wait – a bar that’s chewy, rich, and satisfying in every bite. It’s an invitation to slow down and savor the moment, a reminder that some things can’t be rushed.
These Heavenly Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Bars are a celebration of flavors, a dessert that’s as suitable for a casual family gathering as it is for an elegant dinner party. They’re about bringing people together, sharing joy, and making memories over something as simple, yet as profound, as a homemade bar.
As we move forward with the recipe, I invite you to embrace the process, from toasting the hazelnuts to mixing the batter to cutting the cooled bars. Let’s bake not just with our hands, but with our hearts, infusing these treats with love and anticipation.
So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and prepare to create something magical. These Heavenly Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Bars await your touch, ready to emerge from your oven as the newest chapter in your baking journey.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Heavenly Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Bars
Description
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare Hazelnuts
Toast hazelnuts in a skillet until fragrant, then cool and chop.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients
Combine flours, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
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Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixer, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
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Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Stir in the chocolate chips and toasted hazelnuts.
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Prepare the Pan
Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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Spread the Batter
Evenly spread the batter in the prepared baking dish.
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Bake the Bars
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan, then cut into squares.
Serving Size 1
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin E 2.5 IU
- Unsaturated Fat 10g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chop Hazelnuts Evenly: To ensure an even distribution of nuts in each bar, chop the hazelnuts to a similar size.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
Proper Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for clean slicing.
