Hazelnut Latte Recipe (Better Than Coffee Shop Version)

I started making hazelnut lattes at home after realizing how often I was ordering the same thing at coffee shops and paying way too much for it.

The flavor is warm, slightly nutty, and smooth in a way that works in every season. It’s comforting on slow mornings, but still nice enough to make when friends come over.

What I love most is how simple it actually is. No fancy equipment is required, and you can adjust everything to match your taste.

More hazelnut, less sweet, dairy-free, extra foam — it’s all up to you. Once you try it at home, it’s hard to go back.

Hazelnut Latte Ingredients

Here’s the basic list I use:

• Espresso or strong brewed coffee
• Milk
• Hazelnut syrup
• Sugar or sweetener (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional topping)
• Ground hazelnuts or cocoa powder (optional garnish)

That’s it. No complicated steps, no hard-to-find items.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Hazelnut Latte at Home

1. Brew your coffee or espresso

Start by making your coffee.

If you have an espresso machine, brew 1–2 shots of espresso (about 1–2 ounces total).

If you don’t, use very strong brewed coffee: a moka pot, French press, or even a regular coffee maker with extra grounds works well.

Pour the hot coffee into your favorite mug.

This is the base of the drink, so stronger coffee gives the best balance with the milk and syrup.

2. Add the hazelnut syrup

Add 1–2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup directly into the hot coffee. I like this one from Torani.

Stir well so the syrup fully dissolves.

If you like your drinks sweeter, add more syrup. If you prefer subtle flavor, start with one tablespoon and adjust next time.

This step is important to do while the coffee is hot because it helps the flavor blend smoothly.

3. Heat and Froth the milk

Pour about ¾ cup of milk into a small saucepan.

Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. You should see steam, but no bubbling.

If you’re using a microwave, heat the milk in 30-second intervals until hot.

Pro tip: Avoid overheating because burnt milk changes the taste.

Frothing makes the latte feel like a café drink, but it’s not required.

You can froth milk using:

• A handheld milk frother
• A French press (pump the plunger quickly)
• A jar with a lid (shake hard, then microwave briefly)
• Or a steam wand

Note: The goal is light foam on top, not stiff foam.

4. Combine coffee and milk

Slowly pour the hot milk into your mug with the hazelnut coffee.

Hold back the foam with a spoon if you want layered foam on top.

Stir gently.

At this point, taste the drink. Add more syrup or sweetener if needed.

5. Add toppings (optional)

This part is extra but fun:

• A little whipped cream
• A sprinkle of ground hazelnuts
• Cocoa powder
• Or cinnamon

None of this is required, but it makes the drink feel special.

Tips for the Best Hazelnut Latte

• Use strong coffee. Weak coffee disappears once milk is added.
• Choose good syrup. Torani and Monin are reliable brands.
• Oat milk is amazing here. It naturally brings out the nutty flavor.
• Don’t boil the milk. It should be hot, not bubbling.
• Taste before serving. Hazelnut flavor should be noticeable but not overpowering.

Hazelnut Latte Variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Latte

This version tastes like liquid dessert.

Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.

Stir the chocolate into the coffee before adding milk, along with the hazelnut syrup.

It becomes rich, slightly sweet, and very cozy.

Caramel Hazelnut Latte

This one is smooth and sweet.

Add 1 tablespoon caramel syrup

Use half hazelnut syrup and half caramel syrup.

The caramel adds depth and a buttery note that works surprisingly well with hazelnut.

Vanilla Hazelnut Latte

Light and soft in flavor.

Add ½ tablespoon vanilla syrup.

Combine vanilla syrup with hazelnut syrup before adding milk.

It tones down the nuttiness slightly and makes the drink taste more balanced.

Iced Hazelnut Latte Option

You can easily turn this into an iced drink:

1. Brew strong coffee or espresso.
2. Let it cool slightly.
3. Fill a glass with ice.
4. Add hazelnut syrup to the coffee.
5. Pour over ice.
6. Add cold milk.
7. Stir.

It’s refreshing and perfect in warmer months.

Check out more latte recipes:

• Banana Coffee Recipe: A Creamy Latte With a Surprise Twist
• 17 Easy Spring Latte Recipes to Refresh Your Coffee Routine
• French Toast Latte Recipe