Hazelnut Cups are a delightful dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and hazelnut in perfectly portioned cups. These bite-sized treats are simple to make and boast a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch of hazelnuts. Whether you’re a fan of Nutella or just love the combination of chocolate and nuts, Hazelnut Cups will undoubtedly become one of your go-to dessert recipes. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, Hazelnut Cups are as versatile as they are delicious. They’re easy to customize with different toppings or flavors, and their small size makes them perfect for snacking or sharing. With just a few ingredients and a little effort, you can create a dessert that looks elegant and tastes indulgent.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional toppings: whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate
Directions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This will help the cups hold their shape and make them easy to remove. - Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. - Create the Shells:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Use the back of a spoon or a small brush to spread the chocolate up the sides of the liner, creating a thin shell. Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. - Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the hazelnut spread, vanilla extract, sea salt, and half of the chopped hazelnuts until well combined. - Assemble the Cups:
Remove the muffin tin from the freezer and spoon a small amount of the hazelnut filling into each chocolate shell, leaving a little space at the top for the final chocolate layer. - Seal the Cups:
Cover the filling with a thin layer of the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring the filling is completely sealed. If desired, sprinkle the tops with chopped hazelnuts or press a whole hazelnut into the center. - Chill and Serve:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer for another 10–15 minutes to set the chocolate completely. Once set, remove the paper liners and serve the Hazelnut Cups chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrients
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 8 g
The Allure of Hazelnuts in Desserts
Hazelnuts have long been a favorite ingredient in desserts, prized for their sweet, nutty flavor and versatility. Their natural richness pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, creating a luxurious combination that feels indulgent yet balanced. From Italian gianduja to the world-famous Nutella, the pairing of hazelnuts and chocolate has delighted dessert lovers for centuries.
In Hazelnut Cups, this classic combination is taken to the next level by presenting it in a compact, elegant form. The creamy hazelnut filling, encased in a crisp chocolate shell, offers a delightful contrast of textures that’s hard to resist.
Why Hazelnut Cups Are Special
- Perfect Portion Control:
Each Hazelnut Cup is perfectly sized for a single serving, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging. - Rich and Decadent Flavor:
The blend of semi-sweet chocolate and hazelnut spread creates a dessert that is both sweet and nutty, with just the right amount of richness. - Customizable:
You can easily personalize Hazelnut Cups by adding different toppings, experimenting with flavored chocolates, or incorporating additional ingredients like caramel or espresso powder. - No Baking Required:
These no-bake treats are simple and quick to make, making them ideal for beginners or when you need a last-minute dessert. - Elegant Presentation:
Despite being easy to make, Hazelnut Cups have a polished and professional appearance, making them perfect for gifting or serving at special events.
Tips for Perfect Hazelnut Cups
- Use High-Quality Chocolate:
Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, it’s worth investing in a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate. This will ensure a smoother texture and richer flavor. - Toast the Hazelnuts:
Toasting the hazelnuts before chopping them enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch. - Work Quickly:
Chocolate can harden quickly as it cools, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling the cups. - Add a Pop of Salt:
A small sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cups can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness of the chocolate. - Keep Them Chilled:
Store the Hazelnut Cups in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and keep the chocolate shells crisp.
Creative Variations
- Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cups:
Use dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for a more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty filling. - Caramel Hazelnut Cups:
Add a small dollop of caramel sauce on top of the hazelnut filling before sealing the cups with chocolate. - Espresso-Infused Cups:
Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the hazelnut filling for a mocha-inspired treat. - White Chocolate Twist:
Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version of this dessert. - Nut-Free Alternative:
Substitute the hazelnut spread with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a delicious twist that accommodates nut-free diets.
Serving Suggestions
Hazelnut Cups are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- For Gatherings: Arrange the cups on a decorative platter for parties or holiday events.
- As Gifts: Package them in small boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dessert Platter: Include them on a dessert board alongside fresh fruits, cookies, and other bite-sized treats.
Why Hazelnut Cups Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Hazelnut Cups are the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. Their small size makes them ideal for casual snacking, while their elegant presentation ensures they can hold their own at formal events. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet ending to a dinner party or enjoying one as a midday treat, these cups are guaranteed to satisfy.
Their versatility also makes them an excellent choice for the holiday season. With just a few tweaks, you can customize them to suit different themes and preferences, from adding festive sprinkles for Christmas to using heart-shaped molds for Valentine’s Day.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’d like to make Hazelnut Cups a little lighter, here are a few options:
- Reduce Sugar: Opt for unsweetened or low-sugar chocolate and hazelnut spreads.
- Use Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content has less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and hazelnut spreads for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add Fiber: Mix a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the hazelnut filling for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Hazelnut Cups are a dessert that delivers big on flavor and presentation while being simple to prepare. Their rich chocolate shells, creamy hazelnut filling, and crunchy nutty toppings create a dessert that is as satisfying as it is beautiful. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
Whether you’re making them for a special celebration, as a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply to enjoy yourself, Hazelnut Cups are a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. Their versatility, elegance, and indulgent flavor make them a standout dessert that will impress every time!