40 Best Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Recipe You Can’t Resist

Name: 40 Best Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Recipe You Can't Resist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups hazelnuts; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Author: Samantha Charllies

Published: November 22, 2025

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I’ll never forget the first time I made homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. My kitchen smelled like a European chocolatier’s workshop, and that first spoonful? Absolute magic. Store-bought versions can’t compare to the rich, velvety texture you get when you blend roasted hazelnuts with real cocoa powder yourself. Plus, you control the sweetness – no mystery ingredients here!

This recipe became my weekend ritual after discovering how ridiculously easy it is to whip up. Just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes stand between you and the creamiest chocolate hazelnut spread you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, once you try it on warm toast or dip a strawberry in it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the jarred stuff.

Jar of homemade chocolate hazelnut spread

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Let me count the ways this homemade spread will ruin you for store-bought versions forever:

Creamier than your wildest dreams – That silky texture comes from blending the hazelnuts until they practically turn to velvet
No weird ingredients – Just nuts, cocoa, and sweetness – no palm oil or stabilizers lurking in your jar
Tastes like childhood nostalgia – But better, because you made it with your own two hands
Endless ways to use it – Breakfast toast, dessert dip, or (no judgment) straight off the spoon

Seriously, one batch and you’ll be hooked. My friends now call it “crack in a jar” – consider yourself warned!

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun – you probably have most in your pantry already! Just make sure everything’s measured and ready before you start blending. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups hazelnuts (raw, unsalted) – These are the star! Don’t skip roasting them – it brings out their magic.
1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, high-quality) – Splurge on the good stuff here – it makes all the difference.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Start with this, then add more to taste if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me.
1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch makes the chocolate flavor pop beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract – My secret weapon for depth of flavor.
2 tbsp vegetable oil – This helps achieve that dreamy, spreadable texture we all crave.

See? Nothing complicated – just real ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Now let’s get roasting!

Raw hazelnuts and cocoa powder

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these kitchen essentials—you likely have most already! A baking sheet for roasting, food processor (or strong blender), clean kitchen towel for rubbing off skins, and an airtight jar for storing your glorious creation. That’s it!

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making this spread is easier than you think, but there are a few key steps that’ll take it from good to “oh-my-god-I-can’t-stop-eating-this” amazing. Follow along and you’ll be spreading happiness in no time!

Roasting the Hazelnuts

First, fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread those raw hazelnuts in a single layer on your baking sheet – no oil needed! Roast for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and you can smell that incredible nutty aroma. Careful – they go from perfectly toasted to burnt fast! Let them cool just enough to handle, then rub them vigorously in a clean kitchen towel. Most of the skins will come right off – don’t stress if a few stubborn ones stay put.

Blending to Perfection

Now the magic happens! Toss those warm hazelnuts into your food processor and let it run. And run. And run some more. At first it’ll look like coarse crumbs, then it’ll form a ball – keep going! Scrape down the sides every minute or so. After about 5-7 minutes total, you’ll see it transform into the smoothest hazelnut butter you’ve ever seen. That’s when you add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Blend again until it’s completely incorporated – about another minute.

Adjusting Consistency

Here’s where we make it spreadable! With the processor running, drizzle in the vegetable oil slowly through the feed tube. Stop when it reaches that perfect silky texture – you might not need all the oil. Want it thicker? Use less. Thinner? Add a touch more. Easy peasy! Transfer to your jar while it’s still slightly warm – it’ll firm up as it cools.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

After making dozens of batches (and licking just as many spoons), here are my golden rules for chocolate hazelnut spread perfection:

Roast until fragrant – That nutty smell means maximum flavor! Under-roasted nuts taste bland while over-roasted ones turn bitter.
Invest in good cocoa – Cheap cocoa tastes chalky. Splurge on a rich Dutch-process variety for that deep chocolate flavor you crave.
Store it right – Keep in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The oil may separate – just stir before using!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have a spread worthy of stealing the spotlight from any store-bought brand!

Variations of Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these tasty twists to keep things exciting:

Sea salt sprinkle – A flaky finish takes it from sweet to sophisticated
Warm spice kick – Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for depth
Nut swap – Try almonds for a different (but equally delicious) profile
Espresso boost – Blend in 1 tsp instant coffee for mocha magic

My personal favorite? A generous pinch of flaky salt stirred in at the end – it makes the chocolate flavor sing!

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

This spread is your kitchen’s new MVP – here’s how I use it beyond just licking the spoon (though no judgment if that’s your main method!):

Morning hero – Slather on warm toast, pancakes, or swirl into oatmeal
Fruit’s best friend – Dip strawberries, banana slices, or apple wedges
Dessert game-changer – Fill crepes, top ice cream, or sandwich between cookies
Secret weapon – Stir into coffee or hot chocolate for next-level richness

Honestly? The only limit is your imagination. My latest obsession? A dollop in my morning smoothie – pure bliss!

Toast with chocolate hazelnut spread and berries

Storage Instructions

Pop your homemade spread into an airtight jar and keep it at room temperature – it’ll stay dreamy for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!). If your kitchen runs hot, the fridge works too – just let it soften before spreading. The oil might separate a bit – no worries, just give it a quick stir and it’s good as new!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. Each tablespoon of this heavenly spread packs about 90 calories with rich, nutty goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most about this chocolate hazelnut spread:

Can I use pre-roasted hazelnuts? Sure, but fresh roasting makes all the difference in flavor! If you must skip it, reduce blending time since they’re already toasted.
How long does it last? About 2 weeks at room temp – if you can resist eating it all sooner! The fridge extends it another week.
Is it gluten-free? Absolutely! Just double-check your cocoa and powdered sugar labels to be extra safe.
Why isn’t mine getting smooth? Patience, friend! Some blenders take 10+ minutes. Keep scraping and blending – it’ll happen!

Still stumped? Ask away in the comments – I love helping troubleshoot kitchen adventures!

Share Your Experience

Made this heavenly spread? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or snap a pic of your chocolatey masterpiece – your kitchen wins deserve celebrating! You can also find more delicious recipes and inspiration on Pinterest.