How to Roast Hazelnuts

If you’ve never roasted hazelnuts at home, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures. Roasting hazelnuts brings out their rich, buttery flavor and makes them a perfect snack or special ingredient for your favorite recipes.

Whether you want to toss them into salads, blend them into a smooth nut butter, or just munch on them as is, knowing how to roast hazelnuts is a cooking skill worth mastering. And believe me, it’s easier than you think!

There’s something magical about toasting your own nuts. Sure, you can buy them pre-roasted in the store, but nothing compares to the fresh, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen when they come straight from the oven. Additionally, roasting the hazelnuts yourself allows you to control the level of roasting. The best part? It’s incredibly simple and requires only one ingredient: raw hazelnuts.

These Toasted Hazelnuts are:

• Soon: It only takes 15 minutes to make perfectly roasted hazelnuts!
• Versatile: Use these roasted hazelnuts in everything from baking to snacking. They are also excellent sprinkled on salads, mixed with granola or added to savory dishes.
• Easy to store: Make a big batch and store them in an airtight container for weeks of snacking and recipe goodness.
• Nutritious: Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. Roasting them simply brings out their natural flavor without compromising any of their health benefits.

How to toast hazelnuts: step by step

1. Preheat the oven: First, keep the oven hot. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Moderate heat helps the nuts toast evenly without burning.
2. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer: Take a baking sheet and spread 3 cups of raw hazelnuts in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spaced so they roast evenly. No overcrowding here!
3. Roast for 10 minutes: Place the pan in the preheated oven and toast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them because nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quite quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and fragrant.
4. Remove the skins: Now comes the fun part: getting rid of those pesky skins! After the hazelnuts come out of the oven, let them cool until they are safe to handle (but still warm!). Transfer the nuts to a clean kitchen towel. Work in 2-3 batches, scrubbing the nuts to remove as much of the skin as possible. Don’t worry if some skins get stuck – they are totally edible.
5. Cool and store: Let the toasted hazelnuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a couple of weeks, but I guarantee they won’t last that long anyway!

Key Tips for Roasting Hazelnuts

Dry roasting vs oil

You’ll find that some directions for toasting nuts call for oil and others do without it. So, what happens? Really, you can go both ways. I prefer dry roasted hazelnuts, as I find oil unnecessary. Walnuts roasted in oil also go rancid more quickly than dry-roasted nuts. However, if you want to add seasonings to the nuts, soaking them in a light layer of oil will help the seasonings stick. If you use oil, I recommend storing the nuts in the refrigerator.

Look carefully at the oven

Walnuts can burn quicklyso keep an eye on them while cooking. They are cooked when fragrant and golden, but the exact time can vary depending on your oven – some get hotter than others.

Removal of skins

Some skins will be stubborn, but that’s okay! The peels are edible and do not alter the taste. Rubbing them in a tea towel helps remove most of them, but don’t worry if some remains. Some people even prefer to leave their skin on completely.

Store in a cool place

After cooling, store hazelnuts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature or even longer in the refrigerator.

Season the hazelnuts

These toasted hazelnuts are delicious on their own, but if you want to spice them up with a little extra flavor, you can take them to the next level with a little seasoning. Simply drizzle with a little olive oil and your desired seasonings before roasting. (Note that if oil is used, you need to store the nuts in the refrigerator.)

Here are some tasty spice combinations to try:

Cinnamon and sugar: Season toasted hazelnuts with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, warming flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

Pumpkin spice: Mix in some pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) and top it with toasted hazelnuts for a cozy, fall-inspired snack.

Garlic and rosemary: Season the hazelnuts with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder and finely chopped fresh rosemary before roasting them. You will get an aromatic and tasty delight that pairs perfectly with cheeses or cured meats.

Smoked paprika and sea salt: For a smoky, flavorful twist, mix hazelnuts with smoked paprika, sea salt and a touch of olive oil. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.

Cumin and coriander: Ground cumin and coriander add a warm, earthy flavor that complements the nuttiness of the hazelnuts. Season with a little salt and olive oil before roasting for a Middle Eastern-inspired snack.

Chilli and lime: Mix chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a little lime zest with the hazelnuts before toasting them for a spicy, tangy flavor.

Cayenne and brown sugar: Combine a small amount of cayenne pepper with brown sugar and salt. This creates a sweet-warm mix that balances the richness of the hazelnuts.

Za’atar spice blend: Season your nuts with a blend of za’atar (sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, and salt) for a bright, slightly spicy flavor.

Creative ways to use roasted hazelnuts

Make the nut butter

Blend the toasted hazelnuts until you have a smooth, creamy nut butter. Add a pinch of salt and maybe even a drizzle of honey or cocoa powder for a sweet touch.

Bake in desserts

Add chopped toasted hazelnuts to cookies, cakes or muffins for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. These Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are a family favorite!

Use as a salad dressing

Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over your favorite salad to add texture and a nutty twist.

Make homemade Nutella

Combine toasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener to create your own healthier version of Nutella!

Add Granola or Trail Mix

Mix toasted hazelnuts with granola or your favorite homemade mix for a healthy, energizing snack.

Other tasty ideas

If you love these roasted hazelnuts, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

Recipe