Hazelnut recipes offer an incredible depth of rich, nutty flavor. People love hazelnuts for their distinctive taste that works so well in many dishes. This guide provides a spectacular collection of hazelnut recipes, from decadent desserts to surprising savory meals and unique Indian sweets. You will find everything you need to make the most of this versatile nut.
Jump to Section
- A Chef's Guide to Prepping Hazelnuts
- Part 1: Decadent Hazelnut Dessert Recipes
- Part 2: Surprising & Savory Hazelnut Recipes
- Part 3: Traditional Indian Hazelnut Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Chef's Guide to Prepping Hazelnuts
Many hazelnut recipes begin with properly preparing the nuts to get the best flavor. These pro tips ensure your hazelnuts are perfectly prepped for any dish. Hazelnuts are also rich in vitamins and minerals, adding a healthy touch to your meals.
How to Roast Hazelnuts
Toasting hazelnut recipes is a simple step that makes a huge difference. Roasting brings out the nut's deep, complex flavors.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Spread the raw hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake them for 10-15 minutes until they are fragrant and their skins start to crack.
How to Skin Hazelnuts
Skinning hazelnuts is an important step for many hazelnut recipes as the skin can be bitter. The easiest method uses a simple kitchen towel.
- Once roasted, transfer the warm hazelnuts to a clean tea towel.
- Fold the towel over and rub the nuts vigorously.
- The friction will cause most of the skins to peel right off. It's okay if a few small bits of skin remain.
How to Make Hazelnut Meal/Flour
Some hazelnut recipes call for hazelnut flour, which you can easily make at home. Hazelnut meal adds a wonderful texture and flavor to baked goods.
- Place skinned and cooled hazelnuts into a food processor.
- Pulse the nuts until they reach a consistency like coarse sand.
- Be careful not to over-process, or you will end up with hazelnut butter.
Part 1: Decadent Hazelnut Dessert Recipes
Decadent hazelnut dessert recipes are what most people think of when they imagine cooking with this nut. The classic pairing of hazelnut with chocolate and coffee is a time-tested winner. This section explores some of the most beloved sweet treats you can create.
1. The Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
This chocolate hazelnut cake recipe creates a fantastically moist and rich dessert. The use of ground roasted hazelnuts provides an intense, nutty flavor throughout the cake and frosting.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Ground roasted hazelnuts (hazelnut meal)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder & baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Melted butter
- Buttermilk or yogurt
- For the Frosting: Nutella, dark chocolate, butter, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another larger bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until they are light and bubbly.
- Gently mix in the melted butter and buttermilk.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting with a rich chocolate hazelnut buttercream.
Chef's Tip: For a truly decadent texture, don't overmix the batter once you add the flour. You can find more ideas with our other baking recipes.
2. Chewy Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
This hazelnut cookie recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The chewy texture of the cookie perfectly contrasts with the crunchy, toasted hazelnuts, creating a sensational bite every time.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Toasted, chopped hazelnuts
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
For extra help, you can review tips to prevent cookies from spreading.
3. No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
A no-bake chocolate hazelnut cheesecake recipe is perfect for an easy yet impressive dessert. This creamy cheesecake uses a chocolate hazelnut spread for a smooth, rich flavor that requires no time in the oven.
4. Classic Hazelnut Biscotti
This hazelnut biscotti recipe creates crunchy, twice-baked cookies that are perfect for dipping in coffee. Whole toasted hazelnuts give these Italian biscuits their signature look and crunch.
5. Fudgy Hazelnut Brownies
A fudgy hazelnut brownie recipe is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Roughly chopped hazelnuts are folded into a dense, chocolatey batter, adding a wonderful textural surprise to every bite.
6. Homemade 'Ferrero Rocher' Truffles
This homemade truffle recipe recreates the famous Ferrero Rocher candy. A whole roasted hazelnut is placed in the center of a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling, then coated in chocolate and chopped nuts.
7. Hazelnut Torte
A hazelnut torte recipe produces a light, elegant cake made primarily from ground hazelnuts instead of flour. This naturally gluten-free dessert is often layered with cream or fruit for a sophisticated finish.
8. Simple Hazelnut Brittle
This hazelnut brittle recipe is a quick and satisfying candy. Toasted hazelnuts are suspended in a hard, crunchy caramel, which is then broken into delicious shards.
Part 2: Surprising & Savory Hazelnut Recipes
Many savory hazelnut recipes showcase the nut's versatility beyond sweets. This section explores how hazelnuts can add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to pestos, crusts, and salads, filling a content gap left by many other recipe collections.
9. Creamy Hazelnut & Oregano Pasta
This hazelnut pasta recipe is a simple and elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. A creamy, nutty sauce comes together quickly, coating spaghetti in a uniquely delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or other long pasta
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped, toasted hazelnuts
- Garlic
- Fresh oregano
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped hazelnuts to the pan.
- Stir the sauce until it thickens slightly, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh oregano.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
Pairing Note: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
10. Hazelnut Crusted Chicken/Fish
This hazelnut crusted chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and adds a crunchy, flavorful coating to lean proteins. The ground hazelnuts create a golden crust that keeps the chicken or fish moist and tender.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or firm white fish fillets (like tilapia)
- Ground hazelnuts
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg, beaten
- Chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine the ground hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, place the beaten egg.
- Dip each piece of chicken or fish into the egg, then press it into the hazelnut mixture to coat it completely.
- Place the crusted pieces on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through and golden brown.
|
Protein |
Cooking Time (approx.) |
|
Chicken Breast |
20-25 minutes |
|
Tilapia Fillet |
12-15 minutes |
11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnut & Orange Butter
This healthy hazelnut recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side dish. The sprouts are roasted until caramelized and tender, then tossed in a savory-sweet butter made with toasted hazelnuts and fresh orange zest.
12. Warm Beetroot & Hazelnut Salad
A warm beetroot and hazelnut salad recipe makes for a hearty and nutritious lunch. Earthy roasted beets are combined with crunchy hazelnuts, tangy goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette for a beautifully balanced dish.
13. Homemade Hazelnut Dukkah for Dips
This recipe for homemade hazelnut dukkah creates a fragrant Egyptian spice blend. Toasted hazelnuts are ground with spices like cumin and coriander and are perfect for sprinkling over dips like hummus or serving with bread and olive oil.
Part 3: Traditional Indian Hazelnut Recipes
Introducing Indian hazelnut recipes offers a unique angle on this beloved nut. This section is dedicated to traditional Indian sweets, or mithai, that have been wonderfully adapted with hazelnuts, providing great value compared to Western-focused recipe sites.
14. Chocolate Hazelnut Ladoo
This hazelnut ladoo recipe creates festive, bite-sized treats that are popular during celebrations like Diwali. These little balls are made from a milk powder base and feature a delightful chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
Ingredients
- Condensed milk
- Milk powder
- Cocoa powder
- Skinned hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Milk chocolate for coating
Instructions
- Gently heat the condensed milk, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan.
- Stir in the milk powder until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a dough.
- Let the mixture cool completely before handling.
- Scoop the dough and roll it into small, smooth balls.
- Melt the milk chocolate and stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Dip each ladoo into the melted chocolate mixture and then roll them in chopped hazelnuts to coat.
- Place the finished ladoos on a tray and let them set in the refrigerator.
15. Hazelnut Burfi (Katli)
This hazelnut burfi recipe adapts the classic Indian cashew fudge (Kaju Katli) using hazelnuts. The process involves creating a smooth nut paste and carefully cooking it with a sugar syrup to achieve the perfect fudge-like consistency.
Ingredients
- Raw, skinned hazelnuts
- Sugar
- Water
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Cardamom powder (optional)
- Edible silver leaf (vark) for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Grind the hazelnuts in a food processor until you have a fine powder.
- In a pan, create a sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water and boiling it until it reaches a "one-string" consistency.
- Reduce the heat and immediately add the ground hazelnut powder to the syrup, stirring quickly to prevent lumps.
- Add the ghee and cardamom powder, and continue to cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens and starts to pull away from the pan.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased surface and gently knead it while it's still warm.
- Roll the dough out to your desired thickness and, once cool, cut it into traditional diamond shapes and decorate with edible silver leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What flavors go well with hazelnut?
Hazelnut pairs wonderfully with chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. It also complements fruits like apples, pears, cherries, and figs, as well as savory ingredients like pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, and goat cheese.
2. Are hazelnuts better raw or roasted for recipes?
For most hazelnut recipes, roasting is better because it enhances their nutty, buttery flavor and makes them crunchier. Roasting also makes it easier to remove their bitter skins.
3. How do I store desserts made with hazelnuts?
You should store desserts with hazelnuts, like cakes and cookies, in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If the dessert contains cream or dairy, keep it in the refrigerator.
4. Can I substitute almonds for hazelnuts in a recipe?
Yes, you can substitute almonds for hazelnuts in most recipes at a 1:1 ratio. Almonds have a similar texture but a more neutral flavor, so the final taste of the dish will be different.
5. What is the difference between a hazelnut and a filbert?
There is no significant difference; the terms are often used interchangeably. "Filbert" is just another name for the hazelnut, particularly the cultivated varieties.
6. Is hazelnut good for your health?
Yes, hazelnuts are very good for your health. They are packed with healthy fats, vitamins (like Vitamin E), minerals, and antioxidants, and can help regulate blood sugar.
7. How can I make a vegan hazelnut recipe?
You can easily make vegan hazelnut recipes by using plant-based substitutes. For example, use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) in cookies or cakes. You can also make vegan hazelnut cream cheese or butter.
8. What's the easiest way to remove hazelnut skins?
The easiest way to remove hazelnut skins is to roast the nuts for 10-15 minutes, then wrap them in a clean kitchen towel while they are still warm and rub them vigorously.
9. Can I make my own chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella?
Yes, you can make your own homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. You just need to blend roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they form a smooth butter, then add melted chocolate, a little sugar, cocoa powder, and oil.
10. What are the best savory dishes with hazelnuts?
Some of the best savory dishes include hazelnut-crusted chicken or fish, pasta with a creamy hazelnut sauce, and roasted vegetable salads with a hazelnut garnish.
11. Do I need to grind hazelnuts for a cake?
Yes, for most hazelnut cake recipes, you will need to grind the nuts into a flour or meal. This ensures the nutty flavor is distributed evenly throughout the cake's crumb.
12. What is hazelnut meal?
Hazelnut meal, also known as hazelnut flour, is simply hazelnuts that have been ground into a fine, flour-like consistency. It is often used in gluten-free baking.
13. Can I use hazelnut liqueur in baking?
Absolutely! Hazelnut liqueur, like Frangelico, can add a wonderful depth of flavor to cakes, frostings, and creams. It's especially good in chocolate-based desserts.
14. Are there any Indian sweets with hazelnuts?
Yes, you can adapt many traditional Indian sweets to include hazelnuts. Hazelnut ladoo and hazelnut burfi are two delicious examples that replace traditional nuts like almonds or cashews with hazelnuts.
15. How do you make hazelnut butter?
To make hazelnut butter, you simply blend roasted and skinned hazelnuts in a high-powered food processor for several minutes. The nuts will break down and eventually release their natural oils, turning into a smooth, creamy butter.
Conclusion
These hazelnut recipes have surely shown the amazing versatility of this fantastic nut. From rich, decadent cakes and cookies to inventive savory meals and unique Indian sweets, there is truly a hazelnut dish for every occasion. This guide provides a clear path for exploring all the delicious possibilities. So, go ahead and pick a recipe that excites you. We encourage you to try one out and share your wonderful culinary creations in the comments below.
