Hazelnut Mocha
Hazelnut Mocha
Rich chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and bold espresso come together in this homemade Hazelnut Mocha that’s every bit as delicious as your favorite coffee shop drink. This creamy latte is made with real chocolate, hazelnut spread, espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla for a smooth, indulgent coffee that’s perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or an after-dinner treat.
Unlike many café drinks that rely on sugary flavored syrups, this recipe gets its nutty flavor from creamy hazelnut spread and a touch of vanilla, creating a decadent mocha with deep chocolate flavor and just the right amount of roasted hazelnut goodness.
Whether you’re curled up with a book on a chilly day or looking for a café-worthy drink to make at home, this Hazelnut Mocha is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate and roasted hazelnut flavor
- Better than expensive coffee shop drinks
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Smooth, creamy, and indulgent
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for fall and winter
- Great hot or iced
- Simple ingredients
What Is a Hazelnut Mocha?
A Hazelnut Mocha is an espresso-based coffee drink that combines chocolate and hazelnut flavors with steamed milk. The rich cocoa complements the naturally nutty taste of hazelnuts, creating a drink that’s similar to a chocolate truffle or chocolate-hazelnut dessert in latte form.
This homemade version uses real chocolate and hazelnut spread for a richer, more authentic flavor than flavored syrups alone.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (about 2 ounces)
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut spread
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or sugar, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
For Topping
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Cocoa powder (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Espresso
Freshly brewed espresso balances the sweetness of the chocolate and hazelnut.
Hazelnut Spread
A chocolate-hazelnut spread creates a rich, creamy hazelnut flavor that melts beautifully into the latte.
Chocolate Sauce
Use your favorite chocolate sauce or homemade chocolate syrup for the richest mocha flavor.
Vanilla
Vanilla enhances both the chocolate and hazelnut notes.
Milk
Whole milk creates a luxurious, creamy texture, while oat milk also works wonderfully.
How to Make Hazelnut Mocha
Brew two shots of espresso into a large mug.
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, chocolate sauce, hazelnut spread, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until smooth, creamy, and steaming. Do not boil.
Use a handheld milk frother or whisk to create light foam.
Pour the chocolate hazelnut milk over the espresso and stir until fully combined.
Top generously with whipped cream.
Finish with chocolate drizzle, chocolate shavings, toasted hazelnuts, and a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Hazelnut Mocha
Whisk continuously so the hazelnut spread melts completely into the milk.
Use high-quality chocolate sauce for a richer mocha.
Warm your mug before pouring in the latte to keep it hotter longer.
Fresh espresso creates the smoothest flavor.
For even more hazelnut flavor, garnish with toasted chopped hazelnuts.
Variations
Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha
Use dark chocolate sauce instead of milk chocolate for a richer drink.
Salted Hazelnut Mocha
Add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the whipped cream.
White Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha
Replace the chocolate sauce with white chocolate sauce for a sweeter variation.
Iced Hazelnut Mocha
Allow the chocolate milk mixture to cool before serving over ice with chilled espresso.
Frozen Hazelnut Mocha
Blend the espresso, chocolate mixture, and ice until thick and creamy for a frozen coffeehouse treat.
What to Serve with Hazelnut Mocha
This mocha pairs perfectly with:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Chocolate croissants
- Biscotti
- Brownies
- Banana bread
- Chocolate muffins
- Cinnamon rolls
- Coffee cake
- Hazelnut biscotti
- Chocolate cheesecake
Storage
The chocolate hazelnut milk mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, froth, and pour over freshly brewed espresso before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hazelnut syrup instead?
Yes, but hazelnut spread creates a richer, creamier mocha with a more authentic roasted hazelnut flavor.
Can I use brewed coffee?
Absolutely. Substitute ½ cup of strong brewed coffee for the espresso.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use oat milk and a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread.
Is this very sweet?
It’s similar in sweetness to a coffee shop mocha. Reduce the chocolate sauce or maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prepare the chocolate hazelnut milk mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, then reheat and combine with freshly brewed espresso when ready to enjoy.
Jennie’s Thoughts
Chocolate and hazelnut have always been one of my favorite flavor combinations because they’re rich without feeling overpowering. The first sip of this Hazelnut Mocha reminds me of a warm chocolate truffle with a bold espresso finish, making it feel like both coffee and dessert at the same time.
I love topping mine with whipped cream, plenty of chocolate drizzle, and a handful of toasted hazelnuts for a little crunch. It’s cozy enough for a snowy winter morning, elegant enough to serve guests during the holidays, and simple enough to make anytime you’re craving a homemade coffeehouse drink.
