There’s a certain warmth that envelops me as I sip on a cup of my favorite Hazelnut Café au Lait—it’s like a comforting hug on a chilly morning. The moment the rich scent of coffee mingles with the nutty aroma of hazelnut and sweet cocoa, I know I’m in for a treat. This delightful drink requires just five minutes of my time, making it the perfect indulgence for those busy mornings or quiet afternoons.
What’s even better? This recipe is a simple solution to the usual fast-food coffee run; it’s a luxurious and comforting alternative that you can whip up right in your own kitchen. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it transforms an ordinary day into something special. Join me as I share this velvety drink recipe that promises to awaken your senses and add a dash of delight to your routine!
Why is Hazelnut Café au Lait a Must-Try?
Quick Preparation: In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this delightful drink, making it perfect for busy mornings or cozy afternoons.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of hazelnut, cocoa, and brewed coffee creates a uniquely indulgent experience that elevates your daily coffee ritual.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of luxury and makes every sip feel extra special.
Versatile Option: Feel free to customize with almond milk for a dairy-free alternative or try flavored spreads for an exciting twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether entertaining guests or treating yourself, this café au lait is guaranteed to impress everyone with its comforting taste.
Make your mornings brighter with this irresistible drink that’s both delightful and easy to make!
Hazelnut Café au Lait Ingredients
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For the Drink Base
• Low-Fat Milk – Provides the drink’s creaminess while keeping it light; for a dairy-free version, use almond milk.
• Brewed Coffee – Acts as the base, delivering rich flavors; consider using decaf coffee if you prefer a caffeine-free option.
• Hazelnut-Cocoa Spread (e.g., Nutella) – Adds sweetness and a nutty depth; it can be swapped with any chocolate hazelnut spread for a fun variation.
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the aroma and flavor, lending warmth; though optional, it’s recommended for an extra spiced touch. -
For the Topping
• Whipped Cream – Offers a luxurious topping for added richness; for convenience, consider using pressurized whipped cream for a quick fix.
Prepare these simple yet delightful ingredients, and enjoy your homemade Hazelnut Café au Lait in just 5 minutes!
How to Make Hazelnut Café au Lait
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Combine Ingredients: In a large, heat-proof glass bowl, mix together low-fat milk, brewed coffee, and the hazelnut-cocoa spread until well combined and the spread dissolves.
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Heat Mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for about 2 minutes, or until it’s warm but not boiling. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflow.
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Whip Until Frothy: Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy and increases in volume. It should have a light and creamy texture.
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Serve: Carefully pour the frothy Hazelnut Café au Lait into three serving cups, ensuring that each cup gets an even amount of the delightful mixture.
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Top with Whipped Cream: Generously top each cup with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an added touch of flavor and warmth.
Optional: Drizzle with a little chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hazelnut Café au Lait?
There’s nothing like sipping on a warm Hazelnut Café au Lait, especially when you pair it with complimentary treats that elevate the experience.
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Flaky Croissants: Their buttery texture is an irresistible match, perfect for soaking up the rich coffee flavors. A classic choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
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Chocolate Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these are ideal for dipping into your hazelnut drink, enhancing its flavor with each bite.
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Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey goodness with a warm spice—this pairing brings out the cinnamon in your café au lait beautifully.
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Brunch Quiche: A savory option adds balance to the sweet café. Choose a veggie-packed quiche for fresh flavors that contrast deliciously.
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Fruit Tart: A delightful fruit tart adds a refreshing burst of sweetness. The tartness complements the richness of the drink, creating a well-rounded experience.
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Iced Water or Sparkling Water: Refreshing and light, these drinks cleanse your palate between sips of the luscious café au lait, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Pairing your hazelnut coffee with these delightful accompaniments will nurture your senses and turn any moment into a celebration of flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Hazelnut Café au Lait
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, let it sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before it starts to lose its frothy charm.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days if you have leftovers; to enjoy again, gently reheat on the stove while stirring to restore texture.
- Freezer: Freezing isn’t recommended as it will affect the creaminess of the drink, but you can freeze brewed coffee in ice cube trays for future use.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat while stirring, restoring that delightful frothy quality often lost in the microwave.
Hazelnut Café au Lait Variations
Customize your Hazelnut Café au Lait with these delicious twists and substitutions that will tickle your taste buds and uplift your coffee experience!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute low-fat milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free delight without sacrificing flavor.
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Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated coffee as a base for a soothing drink perfect for any time of day without the caffeine jitters.
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Flavored Spreads: Try different flavored spreads like chocolate or caramel for a new take on your cozy coffee drink. Each combination brings a unique twist, so experiment away!
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Spiced Twist: Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture for an aromatic spin that warms the soul and awakens your senses.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for an indulgent treat that looks as good as it tastes!
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Extra Frothiness: For an extra light texture, froth some of the milk separately before combining, elevating the drink’s creaminess and luxuriousness.
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Ice Cold: Serve it over ice for a refreshing caffeinated treat on hot days—perfect for a summer afternoon pick-me-up!
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Sweetness Boost: Adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dollop of sweetened condensed milk for a decadent flair that you’ll crave!
With these variations, you can easily turn each cup into a new coffee adventure, making your mornings and afternoons even brighter!
Make Ahead Options
These Hazelnut Café au Lait drinks are perfect for make ahead meal prep! You can prepare the drink base (low-fat milk, brewed coffee, and hazelnut-cocoa spread) up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients in a heat-proof bowl and refrigerating. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture gently in the microwave until warm (but not boiling) and whip it until frothy using a hand mixer. Finally, pour the drink into cups, top with whipped cream, and enjoy just as delicious as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Hazelnut Café au Lait
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Frothing Perfection: Use a hand mixer for a velvety texture; whisking can take longer and may not achieve full frothiness.
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Microwave Vigilance: Microwaving can be tricky; watch the mixture closely to avoid boiling over and causing a mess.
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Coffee Choices: Experiment with flavored coffee to enhance the depth of your Hazelnut Café au Lait, giving it a unique twist each time.
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Sweetness Adjustment: Taste before serving! You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more hazelnut-cocoa spread to suit your preference.
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Serving Fresh: For the best experience, serve the drink immediately while frothy; reheating can alter the creamy texture.
Hazelnut Café au Lait Recipe FAQs
What kind of coffee should I use for the Hazelnut Café au Lait?
I recommend using freshly brewed coffee to create the best flavor profile, but feel free to explore different blends; a medium roast works beautifully! For a caffeine-free option, decaf coffee will also work well without sacrificing flavor.
How can I ensure my Hazelnut Café au Lait is perfectly frothy?
Absolutely! Using a hand mixer is ideal for creating that velvety froth. If you’re whisking by hand, whip vigorously at a slight angle and keep going until you see bubbles forming. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes, depending on your dexterity!
How do I store leftover Hazelnut Café au Lait?
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), simply transfer the drink into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring well to revive its original frothy texture.
Can I freeze Hazelnut Café au Lait?
Freezing the entire drink is not recommended, as it alters the creamy consistency. However, you can freeze brewed coffee in ice cube trays for later use in new café au lait creations! Simply blend the cubes in with fresh ingredients during your next preparation—easy and delightful!
Irresistible Hazelnut Café au Lait in Just 5 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large, heat-proof glass bowl, mix together low-fat milk, brewed coffee, and the hazelnut-cocoa spread until well combined and the spread dissolves.
- Microwave the mixture on high for about 2 minutes, or until it's warm but not boiling. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflow.
- Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy and increases in volume.
- Carefully pour the frothy Hazelnut Café au Lait into three serving cups.
- Generously top each cup with whipped cream and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.