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    Home » Coffee Copycat » Recipes

    Published: Dec 13, 2023 · Modified: Dec 11, 2024 by Megan Byrd · This post containes affiliate links. See disclosure policy for details. · Leave a Comment

    Hazelnut Syrup Recipe for Coffee

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Are you ready to transform your coffee game with a little homemade magic? Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Homemade Hazelnut Syrup. This luxuriously versatile simple syrup will add a sweet and nutty note to everything from your morning coffee and cozy hot chocolate to yummy cocktails and cakes. It's also incredibly simple to make with just three ingredients!

    spoon dipping into a bowl of homemade hazelnut syrup.

    Adding this tasty syrup to your morning cup of joe is certain to yield the best hazelnut coffee around. But don’t stop there — my hazelnut simple syrup is no one-trick pony. It's a secret ingredient to add tons of moisture and flavor to your layer cakes.

    Swirl it into whipped cream or yogurt for a sweet, nutty surprise. And for happy hour, imagine the possibilities! From Hazelnut Martinis to a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this nut-a-licious syrup will take your mixology to the next level.

    But what makes this copycat Starbucks hazelnut syrup recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just three easy-to-find ingredients – sugar, water, and natural hazelnut extract – you can whip up a batch in no time. You'll feel like a kitchen wizard, transforming these humble components into a golden elixir that adds nutty goodness to everything it touches.

    Making your own coffee syrups is also a smart move for your wallet. No more shelling out big bucks for store-bought syrups (or waiting in line for coffee shop drinks!). Plus, you get the added bonus of tweaking the recipe to suit your taste – more nutty, less sweet, it’s all up to you.

    Jump to:
    • What is Hazelnut Syrup?
    • What does it taste like?
    • Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Coffee Syrup Recipe
    • Ingredients Needed
    • Substitutions
    • How To Make Starbucks Hazelnut Syrup at Home
    • Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Success Tips
    • FAQs
    • Homemade Hazelnut Syrup Nutrition
    • Other coffee syrup recipes
    • Hazelnut Syrup Recipe for Coffee

    What is Hazelnut Syrup?

    At its heart, my hazelnut coffee syrup is a sweet, rich concoction that brings the warm, nutty taste and essence of fresh hazelnuts to your favorite beverages, coffee drinks, and desserts. It's a delightful blend of that nutty sweet flavor, transforming any ordinary drink or dish into something truly extraordinary.

    Crafted with just three basic ingredients – sugar, water, and pure hazelnut extract – this hazelnut syrup for coffee is delightfully straightforward to concoct. What's more, it's entirely free from artificial preservatives, offering nothing but pure, unadulterated hazelnut charm.

    This flavored simple syrup captures the soul of hazelnuts in a pourable liquid form, making it easy to add nutty zest to your beloved beverages and desserts. Imagine weaving its magic into a warm, comforting latte, swirling it into a luscious milkshake, or even sneakily enhancing your baked goods. In short, my copycat Starbucks hazelnut syrup is as an essential, adaptable addition for any nut lover’s culinary toolkit and one that your taste buds will thank you for!

    What does it taste like?

    Hazelnut Syrup is like that friend who brings out the best in every gathering – unassumingly delightful and always welcome. Each drop is bursting with a melody of rich, buttery hazelnuts blended with the perfect amount of sugary delight. 

    It's warm, it's inviting, and it wraps around your senses like a soft, cashmere blanket on a chilly day. Whether it's jazzing up your java or giving your desserts a nutty encore, this hazelnut-flavored syrup is like a little sprinkle of culinary fairy dust, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

    hand grabbing the jar of homemade hazelnut syrup.

    Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Coffee Syrup Recipe

    Let's face it – we all crave a little extra sweetness and flavor in our daily routine, and what better way to indulge than with a homemade Hazelnut Coffee Syrup? It's like having your own personal touch of café luxury right in your kitchen. Here's why it's bound to become a new favorite:

    • Simplicity at its Finest: You don't need to be a skilled barista to whip up this delightful syrup. With just three basic ingredients – sugar, water, and hazelnut extract – this recipe couldn't be simpler if it tried.
    • Nutty Nirvana: If you're nuts about hazelnuts, this syrup is your dream come true. It packs a punch of deep, toasty hazelnut flavor that's not overpoweringly sweet.
    • Versatile Virtuoso: This syrup is a veritable Swiss Army knife in your culinary toolkit! It's perfect for coffee and cocktails, breakfast and baked goods, or anything else that could use a little nuttiness!
    • Cost-Effective Concoction: Say goodbye to overpriced coffee shop syrups and hello to a budget-friendly, homemade alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor. Plus, it's free from the artificial preservatives and weird colors that store-bought syrups tend to use!

    Ingredients Needed

    As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make a hazelnut syrup Starbucks would be proud of. Here’s what to grab:

    flat lay shot of ingredients needed to make hazelnut syrup measured out on a white table.
    • Granulated Sugar & Water - When mixed in equal measures, these are the ingredients that make a basic simple syrup. If possible, use filtered water for the best, most neutral taste.
    • Hazelnut Extract - Flavored extracts are a lovely way to add natural flavors to your favorite recipes, infusing the essence of a flavor without any solids. 

    Substitutions

    Need to make a swap? Not to worry. Here are some easy ingredient substitutions to try:

    • Granulated Sugar - Feel free to swap in brown sugar for more of a caramelly, molasses-laced undertone. You can also use the cup-for-cup sugar-free alternative of your choice. 
    • Water - Any liquid can be used here. For example, coffee is great for adding a bit of bitter richness, whereas Frangelico (or another hazelnut liqueur) will add extra hazelnut flavor and sweetness.
    • Hazelnut Extract - Feel free to use the flavor extract of your choice (e.g. almond or walnut). Alternatively, you can use artificial hazelnut extract if you need a nut-free version. 
    glass jar of Starbucks copycat hazelnut syrup in a clear glass jar on a white coaster with whole hazelnuts and twine.

    How To Make Starbucks Hazelnut Syrup at Home

    Whipping up a batch of homemade hazelnut coffee syrup is simpler than you might think. Here’s how it’s done:

    Step 1: Simmer. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.

    Step 2: Add Flavor. Once simmering, add the hazelnut extract and stir to combine. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Step 3: Store. Transfer to a small container or syrup bottle to store or use as needed.

    action shot of pouring water into a saucepan with sugar.
    action shot of whisking the hazelnut extract into the simple syrup.
    action shot of decanting the cooled hazelnut syrup into a jar.

    Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

    One of the best parts about making your own coffee syrup is the freedom to play around. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are just feeling creative, here are some tempting variations to consider:

    • Sugar-Free Hazelnut Syrup: You can easily swap out regular sugar for your favorite sugar substitute to make a diabetic-friendly coffee syrup. Use stevia, erythritol, or a monk fruit sweetener to create a syrup that’s just as delightful but without the sugar rush.
    • Vanilla Hazelnut Bliss: Who doesn't love the classic combo of hazelnut and vanilla? Stir in a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after the syrup has cooled down for an extra layer of warm, aromatic flavor. This variation pairs exceptionally well with coffee and desserts.
    • Spiced Hazelnut Syrup: Craving a bit of spice? Infuse your syrup with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of clove for a spiced hazelnut variant. This is particularly delightful in the colder months and adds a festive touch to your beverages and desserts.

    Serving Suggestions

    The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding hazelnut goodness to your day! Here are some delightful ideas to kickstart your creativity:

    • Classic Hazelnut Latte: Skip the lines and make your own favorite drink without ever leaving home. Add hazelnut syrup to your freshly brewed espresso or hot coffee, then top with the steamed and frothed milk of your choice, and add a squirt of whipped cream to get the full Starbucks treatment at home.
    • Frosty Java Feels: For my lovers of cold drinks, try my Starbucks copycat Iced Hazelnut Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. Shake together a shot of espresso, a generous drizzle of Hazelnut Syrup, and ice until well chilled. Top with a splash of frothy oat milk for a creamy, vegan-friendly indulgence.
    • Cocktail Companion: Mix up a sophisticated hazelnut martini for your next gathering. Combine 2 parts vodka, 1 part Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), and a splash of hazelnut syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange twist — happy hour is served!
    • Ice Cream Dream: Drizzle some hazelnut syrup on your favorite vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream. Add some chopped roasted hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips on top for extra crunch.
    flat lay shot of a bowl of hazelnut syrup on a wooden tray with whole hazelnuts.

    Recipe Success Tips

    While making coffee syrups is simple, I've learned a few tricks along the way:

    • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, natural hazelnut flavoring and fresh, filtered water. If you’re going the sugar-free route, choose a substitute that you know tastes great and blends well.
    • Consistent Heat is Key: When cooking your syrup, maintain a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling it vigorously, as this can affect the consistency and flavor. A slow, steady heat helps to properly dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors together.
    • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors like cinnamon, cloves, or even a strip of orange zest to create your own unique blend. The beauty of homemade syrup is that you can tailor it to your exact preferences, so have fun playing mad scientist!
    • Strain for Smoothness: This step is helpful if you’ve added additional flavors like vanilla beans or spices.
    • Storage Smarts: Store your cooled syrup in a clean, airtight container, mason jars, or syrup bottle (preferably with a pour spout) for easy measuring and using. It should keep well in the fridge for about 2 weeks, or can be frozen for several months. If you go the freezing route, try divvying it up into an ice cube tray so you can just defrost what you need when you need it.

    FAQs

    Is hazelnut syrup vegan?

    Yep! Just make sure you use organic sugar to make sure it’s vegan-friendly.

    Is it gluten-free?

    It is! Just make sure to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen if you’re serving this to gluten-sensitive buddies.

    How much hazelnut syrup do I need to add to coffee?

    That, my dears, is entirely up to you! I typically think that a tablespoon is perfect for a 12-ounce cup, but you’ll need to experiment a bit to find your own perfect balance.

    Homemade Hazelnut Syrup Nutrition

    It's always nice to know what you're adding to your morning coffee or drizzling over your favorite dessert, right? Well, in each flavorful serving of this syrup, you're looking at about 61 calories. It's a relatively modest amount, which is great news if you're keeping an eye on your calorie intake but still want little indulgence.

    There's no protein or fat to speak of, which is quite typical for syrups. And sodium? Barely there, with just a tiny 1 mg per serving. Now, the sweetness — that's where this syrup shines. With 15 grams of carbohydrates, all from sugar, it's the heart of what makes this syrup so irresistibly delicious. While one serving is about 25% of your daily recommended value of added sugar, I think it's well worth it for all the nutty delicious flavor!

    Total nutritional content per serving is:

    • Calories: 61 calories
    • Total Fat: 0 grams
    • Protein: 0 grams
    • Sodium: 1 mg
    • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
    • Sugar: 15 grams

    *This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the simple ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

    side-on shot of a jar of copycat starbucks hazelnut syrup in a glass jar in front of a branch of an evergreen tree with whole hazelnuts in the foreground.

    Other coffee syrup recipes

    • Fresh Mango Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)
    • Toasted Vanilla Bean Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)
    • Banana Bread Syrup (for Coffee!)
    • Carrot Cake Syrup (for Coffee!)
    square hero image of homemade hazelnut syrup in a small glass jar.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 17 votes

    Hazelnut Syrup Recipe for Coffee

    Easy 3-ingredient Homemade Hazelnut Syrup: a versatile, sweet delight for coffees, desserts, and more. Save money and savor nutty goodness!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Hazelnut Syrup
    Servings: 7 servings
    Calories: 61kcal
    Author: Megan Byrd

    Equipment

    • 1 small saucepan
    • 1 syrup bottle

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon hazelnut extract

    Instructions

    • Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
    • Once simmering, add the hazelnut extract and stir to combine. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and transfer to a small container or syrup bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 15g
    Transform your daily coffee with this homemade Hazelnut Syrup! Crafted with just three simple ingredients—sugar, water, and pure hazelnut extract—this syrup infuses your coffee with a rich, nutty sweetness reminiscent of your favorite café creations. Easy to make and free from artificial preservatives, it's perfect for lattes, iced coffees, and even desserts. Achieving that Starbucks-quality flavor has never been easier! Get the recipe here! #CoffeeSyrups #HazelnutSyrup

    xoxo Megan

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