Hazelnut Extract Recipe: Easy Homemade Flavoring Guide

If you’re a fan of rich, nutty flavors in your baking and cooking, then making your own hazelnut extract at home is a game-changer. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade hazelnut extract bursts with fresh, toasted nutty aroma and has a depth of flavor that elevates everything from cakes and cookies to coffee and cocktails.

Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make with just two main ingredients and a bit of patience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love experimenting with natural flavors in your kitchen, this recipe will become a staple in your pantry.

Say goodbye to artificial extracts and hello to a pure, vibrant hazelnut essence that you control from start to finish.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making your own hazelnut extract, share useful tips and variations, and offer creative ways to use your homemade extract. Let’s dive in and add a touch of homemade magic to your next recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making hazelnut extract at home offers several wonderful benefits. First, you get a natural, preservative-free product that captures the true essence of toasted hazelnuts.

Many commercial extracts contain alcohol and artificial flavorings, but this recipe uses just high-quality vodka and real hazelnuts, giving you pure flavor and peace of mind.

Additionally, this homemade extract is incredibly versatile. It enhances desserts like brownies, ice cream, and muffins but also adds a unique twist to savory dishes and beverages.

The process is easy and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. Plus, it’s cost-effective and allows you to customize the strength of the extract to suit your taste.

If you enjoy exploring DIY kitchen projects, this hazelnut extract recipe is a rewarding way to deepen your culinary skills and impress friends and family with your homemade touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw hazelnuts (preferably unsalted and unroasted)
• 1 cup vodka (choose a good-quality, neutral vodka for best flavor)

Equipment

• Baking sheet (for toasting hazelnuts)
• Glass jar with tight-fitting lid (at least 1-pint size)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (for filtering extract)
• Knife or food processor (optional, to chop hazelnuts)
• Measuring cups
• Funnel (optional, for bottling)
• Dark glass bottle or jar (for storing finished extract)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Toast the hazelnuts for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even toasting. The nuts are ready when their skins start to crack and their aroma becomes fragrant.
3. Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool. Once cool enough to handle, rub the hazelnuts between a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. It’s okay if some skins remain.
4. Coarsely chop the hazelnuts. You can also pulse them briefly in a food processor if desired, but avoid turning them into a paste.
5. Place the chopped hazelnuts in your glass jar. Pour the vodka over the nuts, ensuring they are fully submerged.
6. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help infuse the flavors.
7. After the infusion period, strain the liquid. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all nut particles, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
8. Transfer the hazelnut extract to a dark glass bottle for storage. Label your bottle with the date. The extract can be stored for up to one year in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, consider toasting the hazelnuts a bit longer—but be careful not to burn them, as burnt nuts will give a bitter taste to your extract.”

If you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, you can let the nuts infuse for up to 8 weeks. Just be sure to taste it periodically to avoid over-extraction.

If vodka isn’t your preferred alcohol base, you can experiment with bourbon or rum for a slightly different flavor profile. However, vodka’s neutral taste allows the hazelnuts to shine the most.

For a quicker extract, you can grind the hazelnuts finely and infuse for 2 to 3 weeks, but the flavor will be less mellow and more intense.

Want to mix flavors? Adding a vanilla bean or a cinnamon stick during infusion can complement the nutty notes beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based primarily on the small amount of hazelnut oil and alcohol content in the extract. The extract is used in small quantities, so it contributes minimal calories and macronutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Hazelnut extract is incredibly versatile, offering a subtle yet distinct nutty flavor that enhances many dishes. Add a teaspoon or two to your favorite baked goods like cookies, brownies, cakes, and muffins for a warm, nutty undertone.

Try stirring it into coffee, hot chocolate, or lattes to create a cozy café-style beverage at home. It also pairs wonderfully with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, custards, and puddings.

For a creative twist, use hazelnut extract in homemade salad dressings, sauces, or even cocktails like a nutty martini or spiked hot cider.

Want to explore more homemade flavor extracts and delicious recipes? Check out these favorites:

• Best Vegan Latte Recipe for Creamy, Delicious Mornings
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
• Almond Paste Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious & Homemade

Conclusion

Creating your own hazelnut extract at home is a rewarding and simple way to elevate your cooking and baking. With just two ingredients—freshly toasted hazelnuts and vodka—you can craft a natural, aromatic extract that enhances a wide variety of dishes and drinks.

The process requires patience but very little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy cooks who want a flavorful addition to their pantry without artificial additives.

Whether you’re adding a splash to your morning coffee or incorporating it into decadent desserts, homemade hazelnut extract brings a rich, nutty warmth that’s hard to beat. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making your own gourmet flavorings at home.

For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our collection of easy and delicious vegan dishes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping and Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Hazelnut Extract Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A homemade hazelnut extract that adds rich nutty flavor to your baked goods and desserts. Easy to prepare with just two ingredients and some patience.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT720H10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw hazelnuts”, “1 cup vodka (or other neutral spirit)”, “1 tablespoon sugar (optional)”, “1 glass jar with lid”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast hazelnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let hazelnuts cool, then coarsely chop or crush.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place hazelnuts in the glass jar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour vodka over hazelnuts, covering them completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Seal jar tightly and shake gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking jar every few days.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Optional: After infusion, strain hazelnuts and stir in sugar to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bottle the extract and store in a cool place.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “50”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “4g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2g”}}