Quick answer: Indulge in a creamy hazelnut coffee milkshake with rich mocha notes. Perfect for coffee lovers craving a decadent dessert drink.

By Mara Voss · Updated July 22, 2026

Rich Hazelnut Coffee Milkshake

This Rich Hazelnut Coffee Milkshake blends the deep, roasted notes of espresso with the creamy sweetness of hazelnut spread for a drink that feels both indulgent and sophisticated. The texture is luxuriously thick, like a classic diner-style milkshake, with just enough bitterness from the coffee to balance the richness. It’s ideal for warm afternoons when you crave something cooling yet caffeinated, or as a dessert that doubles as a pick-me-up.

Hazelnut and coffee are a timeless pairing, often found in Italian desserts and beverages. This milkshake captures that harmony in a simple, blendable format, making it accessible for home preparation without sacrificing the depth of flavor you’d expect from a café creation.

Recipe at a Glance

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories per serving: 420
• Difficulty: Beginner

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of vanilla ice cream and hazelnut spread creates a velvety base, while the espresso adds a grown-up complexity that prevents the shake from becoming overly sweet. Using whole milk ensures a creamy consistency without thinning the texture too much. The optional ice cubes help chill the drink further while blending, but frozen milk cubes can be substituted for an even thicker result.

This recipe requires no special techniques—just a blender and a few pantry staples. The balance of flavors is calibrated so neither the coffee nor the hazelnut overpowers the other, making it appealing to both coffee enthusiasts and those who prefer a milder, nutty sweetness.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

• 1.5 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup cold whole milk
• 2 tbsp hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1 shot freshly brewed espresso (or 2 tbsp strong coffee)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup ice cubes (optional)

Equipment

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tall glasses
• Straws

Instructions

1. Brew espresso and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes). – Tip: For a stronger coffee flavor, substitute cold brew concentrate.

2. Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy (about 45 seconds). – Tip: Add ice cubes last to control texture more easily.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness with extra hazelnut spread if desired. – Tip: For a thicker shake, use frozen milk cubes instead of regular ice.

4. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately with a straw.

Tips for Better Results

• Freeze glasses for 10 minutes before serving to keep the shake colder longer.
• For a café-worthy presentation, garnish with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts.
• Slightly soften the ice cream (5 minutes out of the freezer) for smoother blending.

Variations

Mocha Version

Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder with the other ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor that complements the coffee and hazelnut.

Adult Version

Incorporate 1 oz hazelnut liqueur or coffee liqueur for a boozy twist. Adjust sweetness if needed, as liqueurs add extra sugar.

Serving and Storage

Serve immediately for the best texture. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence. Pair with biscotti for dipping.

Storage is not recommended, as the shake will separate and lose its creamy consistency. If necessary, freeze for up to 1 hour and re-blend briefly before serving.

Nutrition Estimate

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Sugar: 48g
• Fiber: 2g

Nutritional values are estimates per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Not recommended—the texture is best when freshly blended. You can prep ingredients in advance.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing changes the texture. For make-ahead, freeze the blended mixture as ice pops instead.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut milk ice cream and almond milk. Ensure the hazelnut spread is dairy-free.

What’s the best texture tip?

Use slightly softened ice cream (5 minutes out of the freezer) for perfect blendability.

Conclusion

This hazelnut coffee milkshake delivers the rich, balanced flavors of a café beverage with the ease of a homemade treat. The interplay of espresso and hazelnut creates a drink that’s both comforting and refined, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or a caffeine craving. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat.