There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a warm, creamy cup of coffee on a chilly morning or during some much-needed “me time.”
This Hot Hazelnut Latte is like a hug in a mug! It’s rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home that you’ll skip the coffee shop lines for good.
I’ve been making this for years, and it’s a favorite for cozy weekends with the family or as a pick-me-up while working from home.
Bonus: it smells incredible as you make it!
What You’ll Need
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk (any kind you like—dairy, oat, almond, or soy)
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Crushed hazelnuts (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- No espresso machine? Brew strong coffee or use instant espresso powder mixed with hot water. It works like a charm!
- Get frothy milk: A handheld frother, blender, or whisk can foam your milk perfectly—even if you don’t have a fancy frother.
- Kid-friendly version: Swap coffee for hot cocoa and drizzle hazelnut syrup on top for a nutty twist!
- Homemade hazelnut syrup: Heat ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 2 tablespoons hazelnut extract in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cool and store in the fridge.
- Make it decaf: Use decaf coffee so you can enjoy this treat any time of day.
Tools You’ll Need
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Small saucepan (if making syrup)
- Milk frother, blender, or whisk
- A mug or latte glass
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk: Use any milk you love! Oat milk is extra creamy and froths beautifully.
- Sweetener: Use vanilla syrup or a teaspoon of sugar if you don’t have hazelnut syrup.
- Nut-free version: Replace hazelnut syrup with caramel or vanilla syrup.
- Dairy-free: Use almond, coconut, or oat milk for a rich, plant-based latte.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Syrup Prep: Make your hazelnut syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions
1. Brew your coffee or espresso
Make two shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee. Pour into your favorite mug.
2. Heat and froth the milk
In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk over medium heat until steaming, but don’t let it boil. Use a frother, blender, or whisk to foam the milk until it’s nice and creamy.
3. Add hazelnut syrup
Stir 2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup into the hot coffee. Mix well.
4. Pour in the milk
Slowly pour the steamed milk into your coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once most of the milk is in, scoop the foam on top.
5. Add toppings (optional)
Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of hazelnut syrup, and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for extra decadence.
Leftovers & Storage
If you have leftover milk or coffee, store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the coffee gently and re-froth the milk for a fresh-tasting latte later. The hazelnut syrup will keep in the fridge for weeks!
Wrap-Up
Making this Hot Hazelnut Latte is such a treat—it’s like bringing the coffee shop vibes right to your kitchen! I hope you love this cozy, nutty delight as much as I do.
If you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you made any fun twists. Happy sipping! ☕
