Hazelnut Latte Recipe

A hazelnut latte is a shot or two of espresso mixed with steamed milk and hazelnut flavor, usually from a sweet hazelnut syrup. At home, you can make one in about five minutes: pull a double shot, stir in 1–2 tbsp hazelnut syrup, and top with 6–8 oz of steamed, lightly foamed milk.

There is also a second route that many people overlook: brew hazelnut flavored coffee as your base, so you get toasty nut aroma with little or no added sugar. This guide covers both, with quantities, an easy homemade syrup, an iced version and plenty of variations.

Hazelnut Latte Ingredients

For one 10–12 oz (300–350 ml) hot latte:

• Espresso: 1 double shot, about 2 fl oz (60 ml), or 1/2 cup (120 ml) very strong brewed coffee
• Milk: 3/4–1 cup (180–240 ml), whole milk for the creamiest foam
• Hazelnut syrup: 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml), to taste
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce

Need help with the espresso itself? Our guide on how to make espresso at home walks through grind, dose and timing.

How to Make a Hot Hazelnut Latte

1. Add syrup to the mug. Pour the hazelnut syrup into a warm mug.
2. Brew the espresso. Pull a double shot directly over the syrup and stir so the syrup dissolves evenly.
3. Steam the milk. Steam or heat the milk to about 140–150°F (60–65°C). It should feel hot but not scalding. Aim for a thin layer of velvety microfoam, about 1/2 inch (1 cm), not stiff bubbles.
4. No steam wand? Heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave, then shake it in a sealed jar or use a handheld frother for 20–30 seconds.
5. Pour. Tilt the mug and pour the milk into the center, letting the foam float on top.
6. Finish. Add whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts if you like.

Homemade Hazelnut Syrup

Store-bought syrup works, but homemade tastes more like real roasted nuts. This makes about 1 cup (240 ml), enough for 8–12 lattes.

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated or light brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (70 g) hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• Pinch of salt

1. Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and golden. Rub off loose skins in a towel.
2. Combine sugar, water and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the chopped hazelnuts, lower the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat, cover and steep 30 minutes, then strain into a clean jar.
5. Refrigerate and use within about 2 weeks.

Shortcut: stir 1/2 tsp hazelnut extract into 1 cup of plain simple syrup.

The Low-Sugar Option: Hazelnut Flavored Coffee

If you want hazelnut flavor every morning without a pump of syrup each time, start with a hazelnut flavored coffee. The aroma is built into the beans, so a plain latte made with it already tastes nutty. You can then add as much or as little sweetener as you like.

Our Hazelnut flavored coffee is the obvious pick. For a twist, try Chocolate Hazelnut for a gianduja-style cup or Vanilla Hazelnut for a softer, creamier profile. Brew it strong, in a moka pot, AeroPress or at double strength in a drip machine, so it holds up under the milk.

Iced Hazelnut Latte

1. Stir 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) hazelnut syrup into a hot double shot of espresso so it dissolves.
2. Fill a 16 oz (475 ml) glass with ice.
3. Pour in 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold milk.
4. Pour the sweetened espresso over the top and stir.

For more ideas, see our full guide on how to make an iced latte at home, or brew the base as cold brew concentrate for an extra-smooth iced drink.

Variations and Tips

• Hazelnut mocha: add 1 tbsp (15 ml) chocolate sauce with the syrup for a chocolate-hazelnut spread vibe.
• Brown butter hazelnut: make the syrup with brown sugar and add 1 tsp browned butter for a nutty, toffee note.
• Dairy-free: oat milk complements hazelnut beautifully. Use a barista-style version for better foam. Hazelnut milk works too, though it foams less.
• Less sweet: start with 2 tsp syrup and adjust. Hazelnut aroma comes through well even at low sweetness.
• Decaf: use decaf espresso for an evening latte that still tastes rich.
• Café trick: warm the mug with hot water first so the drink stays hot longer.

Unsure how a latte differs from other milk drinks? Our explainer on latte vs cappuccino vs flat white breaks down the milk ratios.

Hazelnut Latte FAQ

What does a hazelnut latte taste like?

It tastes like a creamy latte with a sweet, toasty nut flavor, somewhere between praline and roasted nuts. The espresso keeps it from being cloying, especially if you use a moderate amount of syrup.

How much caffeine is in a hazelnut latte?

The caffeine comes only from the espresso, so it depends on the number of shots. A double shot typically contains roughly 125 mg, though it varies with the beans and shot size. Hazelnut syrup and flavored coffee aromas add no caffeine of their own.

Does hazelnut flavored coffee contain nuts?

Flavored coffees are typically made with flavorings rather than pieces of nut, but formulations vary. If you have a nut allergy, check the product details and ask the manufacturer before drinking any nut-flavored product.

Can I make a hazelnut latte without an espresso machine?

Yes. Use a moka pot, an AeroPress or 1/2 cup (120 ml) of drip coffee brewed at double strength. Froth the milk with a handheld frother or by shaking it in a jar.

Your Café Hazelnut Latte at Home

Whether you love it syrupy-sweet or prefer just a hint of nut, a homemade hazelnut latte beats the drive-through line. Brew it with our Hazelnut flavored coffee for an easy daily version, or explore all our flavored coffees. Every Feel Espresso coffee order is roasted 1–5 days before delivery, so your latte starts with fresh aroma.