Hazelnut Maple Cappuccino

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If you love cozy drinks that taste like fall in a mug, this Hazelnut Maple Cappuccino will be your new favorite. It’s warm, nutty, a little sweet, and topped with that signature frothy foam. The maple syrup blends perfectly with the rich espresso and hazelnut flavor, making every sip feel like a café treat made at home.

🧂 What You’ll Need

2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp hazelnut extract
Optional garnish: whipped cream, crushed hazelnuts, or extra maple drizzle

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

This drink always feels like a special pick-me-up. It’s simple to make but tastes like something from a café menu. The maple adds a natural sweetness, while the hazelnut gives that comforting nutty depth.

Tastes like a fancy café drink but made at home
Warm, cozy flavors that pair perfectly with espresso
Easy to customize with milk options
Sweetened naturally with maple syrup
Can be dressed up with toppings for an extra treat

🍽️ Servings + Time

Serves: 1 cappuccino
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

📊 Macros (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 160
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 6g

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Steaming milk not only heats it but also creates microfoam by aerating the proteins and fats. This foam gives cappuccinos their signature texture. The maple syrup blends smoothly with espresso because it dissolves quickly in hot liquids, and hazelnut extract adds flavor without extra sugar.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Overheating milk: Can burn and taste bitter.
Skipping fresh espresso: Makes the drink flat.
Using too much extract: Hazelnut can overpower quickly.
Not frothing enough: Leaves the cappuccino thin instead of creamy.

🍴 What to Serve With

Pumpkin muffins
A slice of banana bread
Almond biscotti
Dark chocolate squares

❓ FAQ

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes—oat milk or almond milk froths up nicely.

Can I use hazelnut syrup instead of extract?
Yes, but adjust sweetness since syrups are already sweetened.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
Brew strong coffee or use a stovetop moka pot.

Can I make it iced?
Yes—just skip the steaming and pour over ice with cold foam.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Hazelnut Maple Cappuccino

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Make 2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup strong coffee) and pour into your favorite mug.

freshly brewed espresso with golden crema in a white ceramic mug, steam rising, on a white marble counter with hints of gold

Step 2: Heat and Froth the Milk

In a small pot or frother, heat 1 cup milk until hot but not boiling, then froth until thick and foamy.

hot milk being frothed into thick foam with visible bubbles forming, in a glass frothing pitcher, on a modern stainless steel gas stove

Step 3: Sweeten the Espresso

Stir 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1/2 tsp hazelnut extract into the hot espresso.

maple syrup and hazelnut extract being stirred into espresso, dark liquid swirling with amber tones, in a white mug, on a white marble counter with hints of gold

Step 4: Pour Milk Over Espresso

Slowly pour the frothed milk over the espresso, holding back foam with a spoon, then spoon foam on top.

silky steamed milk being poured into espresso, layers forming with foam topping the drink, in a white mug

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with optional whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts.