What does hazelnut coffee taste like?

Hazelnut coffee tastes like an intensely nutty, sweetened, rich, creamy, and earthy brew that blends nicely into the bitterness of the coffee beans. The prevailing aroma is lovely and makes a great introduction into the coffee world for new at-home baristas.

Is hazelnut coffee good for you?

Hazelnut coffee is good for you. Hazelnut coffee benefits include: Improving your heart health with omega-3 fatty acids. Bolstering the effects of oxidative stress with antioxidants. Reducing inflammation and cholesterol with phenolic compounds. Hazelnuts also have nutrients like vitamin E and proanthocyanidins, which help reduce the risk of cancer. (2) Because the optional additions for this coffee contain a lot of sugar, fat, and calories, enjoy the sweetened version of this brew in moderation.

Does hazelnut coffee have nuts?

Hazelnut coffee generally does not have nuts in it. However, the ingredients in this recipe may contain nuts, such as Nutella and certain hazelnut flavoring syrup brands. Typically hazelnut-flavored items (even flavored coffee beans) do not contain allergens like hazelnuts, but it is advisable to contact the manufacturer and read the nutrition labels before using any. (3)

The Best Hazelnut Coffee Recipe: For Hot Or Iced Coffee

Name: How to Make Hazelnut Coffee (A Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup of preferred brewed coffee; 1 tbsp of hazelnut flavoring for coffee, or 1 tbsp of shelled, unsalted hazelnuts; 1 tsp of sweetener of choice; 1 tbsp of milk or cream of choice (optional); 1 tbsp of whipped topping (optional); 1 tsp of Nutella, or 1 tsp of hazelnut extract (optional); 1/32 tsp of ground cinnamon (optional)

Believe it or not, making hazelnut coffee is no more difficult than making coffee! Here’s how.

Photo: Aleksandra Peric

Are you looking for a fresh way to mix up your coffee routine without draining your bank account or ramping up the calories? How about a cup of hazelnut coffee made with real hazelnuts?

It’s as easy as brewing coffee and as tasty as any overpriced cafe treat. Keep reading to learn how to make the most delicious hazelnut coffee with just three ingredients.

How To Make Hazelnut Coffee At Home: Easy Recipe

Hazelnut coffee is as simple as coffee brewed with hazelnuts, typically served sweetened to balance the flavors.

It’s a versatile coffee drink to make at home because you can easily riff on this basic recipe. Serve it hot or make iced hazelnut coffee. Add milk, creamer, or coffee syrup. Turn it into a hazelnut latte with espresso and frothed milk, or blend it into a homemade Frappuccino.

When it comes to pairing hazelnuts and coffee, the delicious options are boundless!

Hazelnut Coffee Ingredients

2 tbsp (15 grams) of ground coffee
1 tbsp ground, unsalted hazelnuts
1 tsp honey (or another sweetener of choice)

At a Glance

BREW TIME:

5 minutes

YIELD:

One 8-ounce drink

Hazelnuts, honey, a kettle, a glass mug, coffee beans and a french press

What are the best coffee beans for hazelnut coffee?

I like to use a light roast or medium roast coffee for this recipe, which allows more of the hazelnut flavor to shine. My top pick would be a single origin from Latin America with tasting notes of nuts and ripe fruit. But you are welcome to use your favorite coffee.

I probably wouldn’t recommend using flavored coffee, which will throw off the balance of the drink. The natural coffee flavor is a crucial component.

Step-By-Step Homemade Hazelnut Coffee Recipe

This recipe uses fresh hazelnuts rather than relying on hazelnut syrup. In my opinion, this gives a much better flavor – plus gives you more control over the sweetness. You can use raw or roasted hazelnuts, but I recommend roasted for a more hazelnut-forward drink.

Step 1: Brew Coffee

Stir together the coffee grounds and hazelnuts. I have suggested a ratio of two parts coffee to one part hazelnuts, but you can experiment to your taste.

Brew the coffee mixture as you would coffee, using your preferred coffee maker. I used a French press, but an Aeropress, drip machine, or pour-over dripper also works.

Pour the brewed hazelnut coffee into a warmed serving mug.

Red kettle, a french press, ground hazelnuts and coffee beans

Pro tip: For an easier version of this recipe, simply combine one cup of brewed coffee with 1 tablespoon of storebought hazelnut syrup or 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract.

Step 2: Sweeten To Taste

Add 1 teaspoon of honey to sweeten your hazelnut coffee – if desired. I like the way the subtle honey flavor pairs with hazelnuts, but you can substitute white sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choosing. Or leave it unsweetened.

Adding honey to your homemade hazelnut coffee

Pro tip: You can also add 1 tablespoon of whole milk, cream, or a non-dairy alternative, like almond milk or oat milk, at this stage.

Step 3: Serve And Enjoy

Serve the drink as is or make it a little extra special by sprinkling on a dash of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder or topping with a swirl of whipped cream.

Hazelnut Coffee Variations

For a copycat Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee:

Add 1 ½ cups of ice cubes to a tall glass followed by 1 – 2 teaspoons of hazelnut syrup. Top with ½ cup of brewed medium roast coffee and ¼ cup of milk (1).

For a Nutella Hazelnut Coffee:

Brew the coffee as above, adding 1 – 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup in place of honey.
In a separate bowl, whip together 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1 tsp of Nutella, aerating it as much as possible. Float this creamy mixture atop your coffee.

Final Thoughts

Traditional hazelnut coffee is a simple but outstanding recipe. Brewing ground hazelnuts along with your coffee makes for a complex and compelling drink. And it’s easy to add extras like spices, milk, or flavoring syrups to make it your own.

FAQs

Hazelnut flavored coffee tastes nutty, earthy, and sweet. It has a creamy richness and enticing aroma that distinguishes it from plain black coffee. It’s a great introduction to coffee recipes for new home baristas.

Yes, hazelnut coffee is good for you. Black coffee is well-known for its health benefits, and hazelnuts add more nutrients like vitamin E and proanthocyanidins, which help reduce the risk of cancer (2). Add sweetener and creamer in moderation if you’re concerned about your sugar, fat, or caloric intake.

Yes, you can add hazelnut extract to coffee as a simple (and very low-calorie) alternative to this recipe. Just add 1 or 2 teaspoons of extract per 8 ounces of brewed coffee. You can also sweeten or add milk to taste.

References

Starbucks Coffee At Home. (n.d.). Iced Hazelnut Coffee. Retrieved from https://athome.starbucks.com/recipe/iced-hazelnut-coffee
Pathak, N. (2020, September 17). Health Benefits of Hazelnuts. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hazelnuts