Nutella Kissed Brownies

As long as Nutella continues to exist, I will continue to bake with it. It is delicious after all. I call these Nutella Kissed Brownies, because not only do they contain a 'kiss' of Nutella, along with the cocoa powder cocoa for an extra chocolate hit, I also used mini kisses chocolates instead of just chocolate chips. I made these brownies with my boyfriend; it is a good recipe to make together because one person can work on the chocolate mixture, while the other gets the remaining ingredients ready. These brownies are rich and very chocolaty and easy to do. It seems like a large amount of sugar, but it is just to counter the amount of cocoa, the brownies actually aren't overly sweet. If you really want a chocolate fix, frost with chocolate (or chocolate Nutella frosting).

Nutella Kissed Brownies
1 cup (two sticks) butter or hard margarine
2 1/4 cups granulated (sugar) 
1/2 cup Nutella (a little extra never hurt anyone)
4 large eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional (I used instant coffee)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
1 package (10 ounces, which is 1 1/4 cups, more or less, preferably more) milk chocolate mini kisses or chocolate chips or chunks

Preheat oven to 350◦F. Grease or line a 9x13 inch rectangular baking pan.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the sugar and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly, do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in Nutella until smooth.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, put all other ingredients except flour and chocolate  Pour butter mixture over and stir until well blended. Stir in flour and chocolate until just combined. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes with just a few crumbs attached, and edges are set. 
These are delicious warm, but cool for at least 10 minutes for ease in cutting.

This recipe comes from another baking blog.
http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/2013/01/03/nutella-brownies/