Killer Hazelnut Brownie Bites

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
• 1 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup cake flour (or white flour that has been sifted)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts (you may use other nuts if desired)

Grenadine Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons grenadine

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease and flour.

3. 3

   In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together, butter, sugar, vanilla seeds and vanilla extract. Add eggs and mix until well incorporated.

4. 4

   Mix together the dry ingredients and slowly add it to the egg mixture. Mix well.

5. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, and then add hazelnuts to the top.

6. 6

   Bake for 22-25 minutes, until brownies are set and begin to pull away from the side.

7. 7

   Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Once cooled, remove the brownies from pan and cut into 1 1/2" squares for individual bites.

8. 8

   For the frosting:.

9. 9

   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and slowly add the powdered sugar. Add grenadine and mix until a frosting consistency is reached. You may have a little extra frosting!

10. 10

    Place frosting in a piping bag and pipe onto individual brownie bites. Or just spread on with knife if desired.