Hazelnut Butter Recipe (2 Ingredients, Roasted)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Get ready to turn raw hazelnuts into your new favorite creamy spread! This smooth Hazelnut Butter recipe is super easy and packs a punch of pure, nutty goodness. It’s just perfect for nut butter lovers looking to ditch the additives and keep it real in the kitchen.

A bowl of hazelnut butter with a spatula rests on a white cloth, surrounded by scattered whole hazelnuts.

Homemade hazelnut butter tastes incredible because it’s made fresh, without any of those extra additives you find in commercial brands. Plus, making your own nut butter at home lets you control the texture and saltiness. From my own kitchen experiments, I’ve found that freshly made natural nut butters not only taste better but also feel more rewarding—you really can taste the difference!

Contents hide

1 ❤️ Why you will love this recipe

2 🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions

3 🥣 How to make the BEST hazelnut butter

4 🪄 Recipe notes & tips

5 ✨ Variations

6 🫙 Storage instructions

7 🍽️ How to serve hazelnut butter

8 ❓ Frequently asked questions

9 😋 More nutty recipes you will love

10 📖 Recipe

❤️ Why you will love this recipe

Simple ingredients: Just hazelnuts and a pinch of salt!
Easy recipe: Roast, peel, and blend! That’s all you have to do.
No added sugar or added oil: With its own natural sweetness and oil, this is completely natural and healthy.
Customizable texture: Make it crunchy or silky smooth to your liking.
Long shelf life: Stays fresh in an airtight container.
Versatile use: Great in sandwiches, desserts, or straight from the spoon!

🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions

Whole hazelnuts: The star of the show, providing a rich, nutty base. If hazelnuts aren’t your thing or hard to find, feel free to swap in almonds or cashews.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the hazelnuts. Sea salt or even a splash of tamari can add a unique taste.

🥣 How to make the BEST hazelnut butter

Roast the nuts: Start by roasting hazelnuts. You can use an air fryer at 150°C for 12 minutes, an oven at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, or a pan on the stove for 6-8 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Whichever method you use, spread them out in a single layer. Roasting deepens the hazelnut’s flavor and makes the skins easier to remove.

A close-up view of how to roast hazelnuts in an air fryer basket. — Air Fryer

A tray of scattered hazelnuts, some whole and some halved, on a black baking sheet prepared for how to roast hazelnuts. — Air Fryer

Peel the hazelnut skins: Once they’re cool enough, rub the roasted hazelnuts between your hands or in a kitchen towel to remove as much of the skin as possible. Don’t worry if a little bit of skin clings on.

A person's hand with a wristwatch placing hazelnuts on a paper towel on a dark surface, demonstrating how to roast hazelnuts.

Two hands peeling a roasted hazelnut among scattered hazelnuts and nutshells on a white surface.

Blend: Toss the peeled hazelnuts into the bowl of your food processor. Blitz on medium for a few minutes before ramping up to full speed. Keep going until it reaches that creamy, dreamy consistency.

Close-up of blended hazelnuts in a food processor with a wooden spoon.

Scrape the sides: Every few minutes, stop to scrape down the sides of the processor. This ensures all bits get evenly blended.
Add salt: Sprinkle in some salt and blend for another 30 seconds to fully incorporate. Taste and add more if needed.
Patience is key: The process might take up to 10 minutes, so don’t rush it. The oils need time to release and turn the hazelnuts into butter.
Final check: Once the hazelnut nut butter is smooth and flowing like peanut butter, you’re done!

A glass bowl filled with hazelnut butter and a spreading knife resting on the bowl's edge. There are hazelnuts and a white cloth around the bowl.

🪄 Recipe notes & tips

Powerful processor: A good food processor is crucial. It needs to handle running for a while without overheating. A standard blender may not be powerful enough.
Skin removal: Getting rid of the skins reduces bitterness, but it’s okay if some remain.
Patience is key: The first time I made this I didn’t do it quite long enough – I didn’t know better! The second time I just kept my food processor going and I couldn’t believe how much oil was released, and how smooth it got. If yours is still not shiny and smooth, keep going!

✨ Variations

Crunchy: Save a handful or two of roasted and peeled hazelnuts, and toss them into the food processor for 30 seconds after making the hazelnut butter for a crunchier version.
Homemade Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: Add unsweetened cocoa powder and a bit of coconut sugar, sweetener, or maple syrup for a homemade chocolate spread. Follow my original recipe to make your own vegan nutella (it’s keto and paleo!).
Vanilla Cinnamon: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon for a sweet, aromatic twist.
Nutty Mix: Combine hazelnuts with almonds or cashews in equal parts for a multi-nut flavor.
Cozy: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm things up nicely.
Salted Caramel: Blend in some caramel sauce and an extra pinch of salt for a decadent treat.
Coffee-Infused: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder and sweetener of choice to wake up your taste buds.

🫙 Storage instructions

Airtight container: Keep your hazelnut butter in a glass jar or any airtight container to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate: Storing it in the fridge can extend its shelf life up to a month.
Room temperature: If you prefer it a bit softer for spreading, it’s okay to keep it at room temperature for a week or so.
Stir before use: Natural oils may separate, so give it a good stir before you dig in.

🍽️ How to serve hazelnut butter

Breakfast: Spread it on toast, mix into oatmeal, or dollop on top of yogurt.
Desserts: Excellent in brownies, cookies, or even as a topping for ice cream.
Snacks: Pair with apple slices, banana, or use as a dip for pretzels.
Meals: Swirl into smoothies or add to homemade salad dressings for a nutty flavor.
Nutella: Make your own Nutella with this homemade Nutella recipe. It’s really simple once the hazelnut butter is ready!

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, a high-powered blender can also work, but you might need to stop and stir more frequently to ensure even blending.

Is hazelnut butter healthy?

Yes, roasted hazelnuts are good for you. They’re packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin E and oleic acid, which are great for heart health.

Can I freeze hazelnut butter?

Absolutely! Freezing can extend its shelf life for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Why is my hazelnut butter not creamy?

It might need more blending time. The oils need sufficient time to release and create that creamy texture.

A clear bowl filled with hazelnut butter sits on a white cloth, surrounded by whole hazelnuts.

😋 More nutty recipes you will love

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.

📖 Recipe