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 a 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 kitchen skill worth mastering. And trust me, it's easier than you think!

There's something magical about roasting your own hazelnuts. Sure, you can buy them pre-roasted at the store, but nothing compares to the fresh, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen when they come straight out of the oven. Plus, roasting hazelnuts yourself lets you control the level of roast. The best part? It's incredibly simple and requires only one ingredient-raw hazelnuts.

These Roasted Hazelnuts are: 

• Quick: It only takes 15 minutes to make perfectly roasted hazelnuts!
• Versatile: Use these roasted hazelnuts in everything from baking to snacking. They're also amazing sprinkled on salads, mixed into granola, or added to savory dishes.
• Easy to Store: Make a big batch and keep them in an airtight container for weeks of snacking and recipe-making goodness.
• Nutritious: Hazelnuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Roasting them just enhances their natural flavor without compromising any of their health benefits.

How to Roast Hazelnuts: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, get your oven nice and hot. Set it to 350°F (175°C). The moderate heat helps the nuts roast evenly without burning.
2. Spread Hazelnuts in a Single Layer: Grab a baking sheet and spread 3 cups of raw hazelnuts in a single layer. Make sure they're evenly spaced out so they roast evenly. No overcrowding here!
3. Roast for 10 Minutes: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them because nuts can go from perfectly roasted to burnt pretty quickly. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and fragrant.
4. Remove the Skins: Now for 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, rubbing the nuts together to remove as much of the skins as possible. Don't worry if some skins stay on - they're totally edible.
5. Cool and Store: Let the roasted hazelnuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They'll 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 roasting nuts will call for oil and others go without. So what's up with that? Really, you can go either direction. I prefer dry roasting hazelnuts, as I find the oil unnecessary. Nuts roasted in oil will also go rancid more quickly than dry roasted nuts. However, if you want to add seasonings to your nuts, then tossing them in a light coating of oil will help the seasonings stick. If you do use oil, I recommend storing the nuts in the fridge.

Watch the Oven Closely

Nuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them during roasting. They're done when they're fragrant and golden, but the exact time may vary depending on your oven - some run hotter than others.

Removing the Skins

Some skins will be stubborn, but that's okay! The skins are edible and won't affect the taste. Rubbing them in a kitchen towel helps remove most of them, but don't stress if a few stick around. Some people even prefer to leave the skins on entirely.

Store in a Cool Place

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

Seasoning your Hazelnuts

These roasted hazelnuts are delicious on their own, but if you're looking to jazz them up with some extra flavor, you can take them to the next level a little seasoning. Simply toss with a bit of olive oil and your desired seasonings before roasting. (Note that if oil is used, you should store the nuts in the fridge.) 

Here are some tasty spice combinations to try:

Cinnamon & Sugar: Toss the roasted hazelnuts with a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, warming flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

Pumpkin Spice: Mix up some pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) and toss it with the roasted hazelnuts for a cozy, fall-inspired snack.

Garlic & Rosemary: Toss the hazelnuts with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, and finely chopped fresh rosemary before roasting. You'll get an aromatic, savory treat that pairs perfectly with cheese or charcuterie.

Smoked Paprika & Sea Salt: For a smoky, savory kick, mix the hazelnuts with smoked paprika, sea salt, and a touch of olive oil. Add a dash of cayenne if you want a little heat.

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

Chili Lime: Mix chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, and a little lime zest with the hazelnuts before roasting for a spicy, zesty flavor.

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

Za'atar Spice Blend: Toss your hazelnuts with a blend of za'atar (sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, and salt) for a bright, slightly tangy flavor.

Creative Ways to Use Roasted Hazelnuts

Make Nut Butter

Blend roasted hazelnuts into a smooth, creamy nut butter. Add a pinch of salt, and maybe even a drizzle of honey or cocoa powder for a sweet spin.

Bake into Sweets

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

Use as a Salad Topping

Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top of your favorite salad for added texture and a nutty twist.

Make Homemade Nutella

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

Toss in Granola or Trail Mix

Mix roasted hazelnuts into granola or your favorite homemade trail mix for a healthy, energy-boosting snack.

More Tasty Ideas

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

• How to Make Roasted Pistachios
• Chocolate Covered Apricots & Hazelnuts
• Banana, Hazelnut and Chocolate Bread

📖 Recipe