Nutella Brownie Bites

// February 10, 2013 \\

Adapted from Buns In My Oven

Brownies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup Nutella

2 Eggs

1/2 heaping cup of cocoa powder (I prefer Dark Cocoa Powder)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

5 ounces chocolate chips

Frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)

4 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup nutella

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus 1/4 cup more if you prefer fluffier frosting)

Brownies:

1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.

2) In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt butter completely. Stir in sugar and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, continuously stirring. Do not allow to boil.

3) Remove from heat and stir in Nutella, until well combined.

4) Pour butter mixture into a large bowl, beat in cocoa powder, eggs, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

5) Stir in flour and chocolate chips until well combined.

6) Spread into prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Test with a toothpick, as you want the brownies to be moist, but not under cooked. 

7) Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.

Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting: (with help from Joy the Baker)

1) In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, blend cream cheese on medium speed until soft and smooth.

2) Add softened butter and mix until incorporated.

3) Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and Nutella.

4) Add remaining powdered sugar. Beat on medium until frosting is smooth.

To Assemble:

1) Once the brownies have cooled, take a cookie cutter of your choice (I used a round one, about an 1 inch in diameter) and cut as many of those shapes as you can!

2) Frost one side of half of your shapes and assemble them as sandwiches.

3) If you choose, dust with powdered sugar.

ENJOY!