How To Roast Hazelnuts in the Oven (Filberts)

Quick Summary: To roast hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 355°F (180°C) for 12 to 13 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Rub the warm nuts in a towel to remove the skins. You can also toast them in a dry pan in under 10 minutes or over a wood fire for a smoky flavor.

What are hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts, also called filberts, are the edible nuts of the hazel tree. They have a sweet, buttery flavor and a firm, crunchy texture that becomes richer and more aromatic once roasted.

You can buy them raw in the shell, raw and shelled, or already roasted. Raw shelled hazelnuts (filberts) are the easiest to work with when you roast them at home.

Why you'll love roasting hazelnuts

Roasting hazelnuts is a special technique in which nuts are heated briefly. But why roast hazelnuts?

• Deeper flavor: roasting unlocks the aroma and gives hazelnuts a richer, more pronounced nutty taste.
• Easy peeling: the heat loosens the skins so they rub off quickly on a towel.
• Ready for praline: roasting releases the natural oils, so you can blend a smooth praline paste in a food processor without adding oil.

Ingredients

For ingredients and detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

• Hazelnuts: choose raw, shelled whole hazelnuts (aka filberts) or hazelnuts with shells if you don't mind removing them.

• Oil is a great way to add more flavor and aroma when roasting nuts, but it's unnecessary for dry roasting. Use it only if you plan to add salt, spices, or seasonings.

Equipment

Roasting hazelnuts needs little equipment. What you use depends on the method you choose:

• rimmed baking sheet
• Nonstick skillet or frying pan
• cast iron griddle
• wooden spatula
• clean dish towel or tea towel
• oven mitts

How to roast hazelnuts in the oven

Using the oven is the easiest and quickest method. If your hazelnuts are still in the shell, crack them first with a nutcracker or a small hammer on a cutting board, and be careful not to hurt yourself. The nuts will still have a thin skin, which you peel off after roasting. If you use store-bought raw shelled hazelnuts, skip this step.

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet for even roasting.

Step 2. Place the sheet on the middle rack and roast for 12 to 13 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 3. The nuts are ready when they turn slightly golden brown, and the cracked skin releases a nutty smell.

Step 4. Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and place them on a clean dish towel to cool for 1 minute.

How to roast in a pan

Roasting hazelnuts in a pan is really toasting them, so this is the answer when someone asks how to toast hazelnuts without an oven. It is faster, under 10 minutes, but needs constant attention.

Step 1. Place the hazelnuts in a single layer in a nonstick frying pan and heat over medium heat.

Step 2. Stir the nuts regularly with a wooden spatula for about 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer them to a clean tea towel and let cool for a minute.

How to roast nuts over a wood fire

If you have a fireplace, roast hazelnuts over a wood fire for a smoky taste that is perfect for an aperitif.

Step 1. Arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer on a fireproof plate, such as a cast iron griddle, set it on the coals for a few minutes, and stir regularly.

Step 2. Once the nuts are ready, transfer them to a clean cloth and let them cool for 1 minute.

How to peel hazelnuts

Should you peel hazelnuts or keep the skin? It depends on your taste and the recipe you plan to make. If you decide to remove the skins, here is an easy way to do it.

Step 1. Cover the still-warm hazelnuts with a towel and rub them with your hands to remove the brown skins.

Step 2. Gently transfer the peeled nuts to a glass jar or airtight container.

If some nuts still hold a little skin (stubborn skins), that is fine. Enjoy them as they are or use them in recipes.

Recipe variations

You might be questioning which roasting method is the best. Try them all and choose the one that suits you best. The result is the same: you will get golden hazelnuts with a rich flavor and taste.

You can roast hazelnuts dry (dry roasting) or with oil (oil roasting). Just add about one tablespoon of olive oil to the frying pan or baking sheet and follow the recipe.

Oil roasting is optional and works well if you want to add salt, herbs (for example, rosemary), or seasonings.

Also, experiment with the oven temperature. For example, some chefs roast hazelnuts for 15 minutes at 300 to 325°F (150 to 165°C).

Storing & freezing

To store roasted hazelnuts, place cooled nuts in a mason jar or glass jar and keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 months.

Can you freeze roasted hazelnuts? Yes, place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to a year.

Expert tips

1. Double or triple the roasted hazelnuts recipe if desired.
2. Always place nuts in a single layer for even cooking. If you want to roast a large quantity of hazelnuts, do it in a few batches.
3. Roast a mixture of nuts (hazelnuts with almonds) if desired.
4. Use your oven wisely: roast your nuts after cooking or baking another dish.
5. Add ½ tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and seasonings for the savory version, then follow the recipe.

What to do with hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts are versatile, flavorful nuts you can enjoy in many ways. One way to enjoy them is roasted, which makes a great snack. Raw hazelnuts are an excellent addition to baked goods, adding an extra crunch and flavor.

Let's name a few hazelnut recipes on the blog.

• Discover the iconic Paris-Brest made with hazelnut mousseline cream, Hazelnut Flour Cake with its pronounced nutty taste, or gluten-free Praline Paste perfect as a breakfast spread.

• Or enjoy the nuts' crunchiness at its best by making Honey Hazelnut Pie or dressing up a French classic, Îles Flottante.

• Sprinkle some chopped candied hazelnuts over your favorite ice cream, or use caramelized ones to decorate the cake for an extra special finish.

• Finally, add salted hazelnuts to your salads, pizzas, meat, fish, and soups if you are a fan of savory dishes.

FAQ

How do you roast hazelnuts with the shell on?
You can roast hazelnuts in the shell, but it is easier to shell them first. If you leave the shell on, roast at 355°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, then crack the shells once cool. Shelled nuts roast faster and let you peel the skins right after.

Are hazelnuts and filberts the same?
Yes. Hazelnuts and filberts are the same nut; they go by two different names.

What is dry roasting?
Dry roasting means roasting the nuts with no oil, in the oven or a dry pan. It keeps them plain and is the method used for the nutrition in this recipe.

How long do you roast hazelnuts?
It takes 12 to 13 minutes to roast hazelnuts in the oven at 355°F (180°C), or 5 to 10 minutes to toast them in a pan.

Where can you buy hazelnuts?
You can buy raw or roasted hazelnuts in specialty shops, grocery stores, or online. In a store, look in the baking aisle, the produce section with dried fruit, the snack department, or the bulk bins.

How many calories are in hazelnuts?
There are about 9 calories in one hazelnut and 848 calories in a cup (135 g), which also holds around 23 g of carbs.

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Recipe card

The nutritional information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator such as Verywellfit.com and is intended for informational purposes only. These figures should be used as a general guideline and not be construed as a guarantee.