Deliciously Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Coffee You Can Make at Home

Indulge in the perfect summer refreshment with this decadent chocolate hazelnut iced coffee.

This delightful beverage combines the rich flavors of coffee, chocolate, and hazelnuts for a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re looking for an energizing morning pick-me-up or a delicious afternoon treat, this chocolate hazelnut iced coffee will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (optional)
• Total Time: 10 minutes (2 hours 10 minutes with chilling)
• Servings: 2 drinks
• Calories: 245 calories per serving

Equipment Needed

• Coffee maker or French press
• Blender or milk frother
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tall glasses
• Ice cube trays
• Strainer (if using French press)
• Long spoon for stirring
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Coffee Base:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee (or 2 shots of espresso)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon hazelnut extract (optional)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1-2 cups ice cubes

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Crushed hazelnuts
• Chocolate shavings
• Cinnamon powder

Other Recipes –

• Mocha Caramel Iced Coffee: The Bold, Sweet Brew
• Vanille Iced Chai Latte: The Chill Drink with Warm Spice Vibes
• Cool Down with an Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte That Tastes Like Dessert
• Toffee Nut Latte: Cozy Drink You’ll Crave All Year
• Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte: The Vibrant, Creamy Drink

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands used and type of milk chosen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method. If you have an espresso machine, 2 shots of espresso will work perfectly.

For a regular coffee maker or French press, use slightly more coffee grounds than usual to create a concentrated brew. This will ensure the coffee flavor stands up against the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

Allow your freshly brewed coffee to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. If you’re planning ahead, you can refrigerate the coffee for 1-2 hours or overnight for a properly chilled base, which helps prevent the ice from melting too quickly when you assemble your drink.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Hazelnut Mixture

While your coffee is cooling, add the chocolate hazelnut spread and cocoa powder to a small heat-resistant bowl.

Pour about 1/4 cup of the hot coffee over the mixture and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved. This creates a rich chocolate base without any clumps.

Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and hazelnut extract (if using) to the chocolate mixture while it’s still warm. Stir thoroughly until the sugar has completely dissolved. The warm liquid helps incorporate all the flavors together seamlessly.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

In a blender, combine the chocolate hazelnut mixture with the remaining coffee. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and well incorporated.

If you don’t have a blender, you can transfer everything to a large jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously until well-mixed.

At this point, you can either continue preparing the drink immediately or refrigerate this mixture for 1-2 hours for an extra chilled beverage. Chilling the mixture allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste experience.

Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Coffee

Fill two tall glasses about halfway with ice cubes. The amount of ice can be adjusted based on your preference for a more diluted or concentrated drink.

Pour the coffee-chocolate mixture evenly between the glasses, filling them about two-thirds full. Leave some room for the milk and any toppings you might want to add.

Step 5: Add Milk and Customize

Pour the milk of your choice into each glass. For a dairy option, whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but 2% or skim milk works well too.

Plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or hazelnut milk complement the flavors beautifully—hazelnut milk especially enhances the nutty profile of the drink.

Stir gently with a long spoon to combine the milk with the coffee-chocolate mixture. Watch as beautiful swirls of coffee and milk create an appealing marbled effect in your glass.

Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)

For an extra indulgent treat, top your chocolate hazelnut iced coffee with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for visual appeal and added sweetness.

Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts and chocolate shavings on top for texture and to enhance the hazelnut flavor profile. A light dusting of cinnamon adds warmth and complexity to the flavor palette.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Insert a straw and serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled. The combination of rich chocolate, aromatic hazelnut, and robust coffee creates a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Recipe Variations

Frozen Chocolate Hazelnut Coffee Frappe

For a thicker, milkshake-like consistency, blend the entire mixture with 1-2 cups of ice until smooth. This creates a frappe texture perfect for sipping through a wide straw on particularly hot days.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha

Use hot milk instead of cold and skip the ice for a warming winter version of this delicious drink. Top with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts for a cozy treat on cold days.

Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Coffee

Replace the chocolate hazelnut spread with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Top with coconut whipped cream for a completely plant-based indulgence.

Extra Hazelnut Boost

Add 1 tablespoon of hazelnut syrup (the kind used in coffee shops) to amplify the nutty flavor profile. You can find these syrups at specialty stores or online retailers.

Coffee-Free Version

For a caffeine-free option, substitute the coffee with roasted chicory root brew or dandelion root tea, which offer similar roasted flavor notes without the caffeine.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Coffee

Coffee Selection

Choose a medium to dark roast coffee with notes of chocolate, caramel, or nut for a complementary flavor profile. Single-origin beans from Colombia or Guatemala often have natural chocolate notes that work beautifully in this recipe.

The Right Balance

The key to a delicious chocolate hazelnut iced coffee is balance. Too much chocolate hazelnut spread can overpower the coffee flavor, while too little might get lost among the other ingredients. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference in future batches.

Ice Consideration

Large ice cubes melt more slowly than small ones, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly. Consider using silicone ice cube trays that create larger cubes specifically designed for cold beverages.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare a larger batch of the coffee-chocolate mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to quickly assemble a fresh drink whenever the craving strikes.

Temperature Matters

For the smoothest incorporation of ingredients, the chocolate hazelnut spread blends best with hot coffee. But be sure to let the mixture cool completely before adding ice to prevent immediate melting.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate hazelnut iced coffee pairs wonderfully with breakfast pastries like croissants or muffins. It also makes an excellent dessert beverage alongside biscotti or shortbread cookies.

For summer gatherings, prepare a large batch and serve in a drink dispenser with various toppings on the side for guests to customize their drinks. Add some chocolate-dipped spoons for stirring to elevate the presentation.

Seasonal Adaptations

Summer Version

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to transform this drink into an affogato-style dessert perfect for hot summer evenings.

Fall Adaptation

Include 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mixture for a seasonal autumn twist that combines the comfort of fall spices with the luxury of chocolate and hazelnut.

Winter Holiday Version

Add a tiny pinch of salt and a dash of peppermint extract to create a festive holiday flavor profile reminiscent of a chocolate mint candy.

Health Considerations

For a lighter version with fewer calories, use a sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread and unsweetened almond milk. This reduces the calorie content significantly while maintaining the flavor profile.

Those monitoring caffeine intake can use half regular and half decaffeinated coffee to reduce the stimulant effect while preserving the rich coffee taste.

Conclusion

This chocolate hazelnut iced coffee recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary beverage experience. The combination of rich coffee, decadent chocolate, and aromatic hazelnuts creates a drink that feels like a special treat but is simple enough for everyday enjoyment. With various customization options and serving suggestions, you can adapt this versatile recipe to suit any season, dietary preference, or occasion.

Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a weekend brunch, this chocolate hazelnut iced coffee delivers satisfaction in every sip. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your beverage repertoire.