If you’ve ever wanted that smooth hazelnut flavor in your coffee without buying a bottle from the store, this recipe has you covered. You’ll learn how simple it is to make at home—and the article is packed with even more great flavors to try.
The Creamer
That nutty sweetness you get from hazelnut creamer? You can totally whip it up at home with just a handful of ingredients and almost zero fuss. No fancy gadgets required, either.
Equipment
You’ll just need the basics for this. Grab a small saucepan to heat things up, and a whisk or just a spoon for mixing. If you’ve got a blender or a milk frother, those can make it extra smooth, but honestly, you can get by without them.
Keep a measuring cup handy for the liquids. If you’re using actual hazelnuts, a fine mesh strainer is useful to keep things silky. For storage, a glass jar with a lid does the trick.
Ingredients
Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen or easy to pick up. Usually, you’ll want some kind of milk and cream (or a plant-based version), hazelnut flavor, and a sweetener.
Here’s a quick rundown for a single cup of creamer:
- 3/4 cup whole milk or non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar, maple syrup, or whatever sweetener you like
- 1 teaspoon hazelnut extract or 2 tablespoons hazelnut syrup
- Pinch of salt
If you want to bump up the richness, add a little vanilla extract (about 1/8 teaspoon). Taste and adjust if you feel like it needs something extra.
Instructions
It’s honestly quick. Here’s how it goes:
- Pour the milk and cream into your saucepan.
- Heat gently over medium-low—don’t let it boil.
- Stir in your sugar and salt so they dissolve.
- Take it off the heat.
- Add the hazelnut extract (or syrup) and vanilla if you’re using it.
- Whisk well, or toss it in a blender if you want it super smooth.
- Let it cool a bit, then strain it into your jar if needed.
- Seal it up and stick it in the fridge. Give it a shake before each use.
Try to use it within a week for the best flavor. After that, it starts to lose its magic.
Tasting Notes
Hazelnut creamer brings a gentle sweetness and a warm, nutty kick to your coffee. It’s rich but doesn’t drown out the coffee itself. If you add a little vanilla, you might catch a cozy aroma that makes the whole thing feel even more indulgent.
The texture is smooth—thanks to the cream or coconut cream—and there’s no weird grit. Sweetness is pretty mellow, but you can definitely play with it to match your mood.
Making it yourself? You’ll notice the hazelnut flavor comes through cleaner and more naturally than most store-bought ones. There’s none of that odd aftertaste you sometimes get from bottled versions, which is a huge plus in my book.
Quick Pro Tips
If you’re chasing the best hazelnut creamer, don’t skimp on the milk—grab the good stuff and real hazelnut extract. For plant-based folks, unsweetened almond milk with a splash of coconut cream is honestly a game changer.
Start with a light hand on the sugar and tweak it as you go. Those who’d rather skip the artificial stuff should hunt down pure hazelnut extract or try simmering chopped hazelnuts into a syrup. It takes a little extra time, but it’s worth it.
Glass bottles keep your creamer fresher, and you’ll want to give it a shake before pouring since the natural ingredients like to separate. Make a bigger batch if you’re feeling ambitious, but keep it chilled and aim to finish it up within a week.
