Make Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

homemade nutella

Folks got real fired up over our recent post about chocolate hazelnut spreads, such as Nutella. Everyone agrees that this sweet spread is delicious, but some are surprised to learn that it's not as healthy as it sounds. But the good news is, you can enjoy a healthier version of this treat by making your own.

Go Nuts!

Since it’s basically a nut butter, this recipe isn’t just for hazelnuts. Follow the method with your favorite nuts and flavorings.

chocolate-hazelnut spread
Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

Makes about  2 ½ cups
½ pound raw hazelnuts (about 2 cups)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup honey
½ tsp kosher salt
2 tablespoons canola oil

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Place nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8  to 10 minutes until warm and fragrant (keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn). Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer nuts to a clean dish towel; gently fold and roll towel over the nuts to remove some of the skins.

Place nuts in a food processor and process for 4 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically. It will seem overly dry and chunky at first but continue to process until you have a smooth nut butter. Add cocoa, honey and salt and pulse to combine. With the machine running, gently stream in canola oil. Transfer to a resealable container and store in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition Info Per Tablespoon
Calories: 56
Total Fat:  4 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Total Carbohydrate: 5 grams
Sugars: 4 grams
Protein:  1 gram
Sodium:  14 milligrams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Fiber: 1 gram

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Next Up

How to Make Your Own Spiced Nuts

Enjoy all the flavor of this satisfying snack, without all the sodium and extra oil packaged varieties tend to come with.

Yes, You Can Make Your Own Yule Log

Whether you’re a newb or a pro in the kitchen, you can wow friends and family with this classic Christmas dessert.

3 Fun Ways to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs

Anyone can enjoy this fun winter project — even if you don't have chocolate molds.

How to Make TikTok’s Famous Boat Dip and Customize It to Your Own Taste

A recipe developer shares simple ways to tweak the viral recipe.

How to Make a Giant Chocolate Bunny Cake for Easter

Every bunny will love this jumbo springtime treat!

This New Chocolate Claims to Make the Best Cookies — We Put It to the Test

There was a clear winner (and some great runners-up)!

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Is it Healthy?

Clever marketing has attempted to convince consumers that chocolate-hazelnut spreads, like Nutella, are healthy. But this chocolaty treat really good for you?

Make Your Own Hot Chocolate Floats

We've got four "cool" ways to enjoy hot chocolate.

Make Your Own Chocolate-Covered Matzo

Make a fun Kosher-for-Passover treat: chocolate-covered matzo topped with almonds and sea salt.