Swapping nuts in recipes can feel a bit like a puzzle game.
Our team tested a bunch of nuts to find the perfect match for hazelnuts in terms of flavor and texture (hazelnuts, Corylus avellana, are a tree nut with a sweet, buttery flavor).
Almonds? Yeah, they did the trick.
Walnuts? Actually pretty good.
T1We even tried some out-of-the-box options for an extra kick. This isn't just about swapping nuts willy-nilly.
It's about making sure your baked goods still taste amazing, even if you're skipping the emergency grocery run. Stick with us to discover our favorite hazelnut swaps that'll keep your baking game strong.
7 Easy Substitutes for Hazelnuts
While hazelnuts have their own unique flavor and texture, there are several other nuts that can be used as substitutes in recipes. Here are seven of our top picks:
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Almonds | Slightly sweet | Crunchy | Baked goods, desserts, granola, pie crusts |
| Walnuts | Earthy, rich | strong | Stuffings, salads, savory-sweet dishes |
| Pecans | Sweeter note | Rich | Savory-sweet dishes, desserts, tarts |
| Macadamia Nuts | Creamy, buttery | Crisp | Sauces, dressings, pie crusts, cookies |
| Pistachios | Slightly sweet | Light, nutty | Confectionery, sweets, cookies |
| Peanuts | Nutty | Crunchy | Baked goods, desserts, savory dishes |
| Cashews | Mild sweetness | Creamy | Creamy desserts, sweet creams, cookies |
1 - Almonds
Almonds stand in well for hazelnuts. They bring a similar texture and nutty vibe to the table (Prunus dulcis).
We found out you can use them in a 1:1 ratio, no sweat.
Their crunchiness improves cookies and cakes. Ever tossed almonds into brownies instead of hazelnuts?
Turns out, it's a brilliant move.
For anyone keen on tweaking recipes, this guide on almond alternatives could really up your baking game. Almonds are super versatile, making them a solid backup in your pantry.
2 - Walnuts
Walnuts, they're a solid pick for swapping out hazelnuts and also shine in walnuts paired with baked brie.
We've found they work just fine in a one-to-one swap. Their strong flavor enriches cookies and cakes, giving them that desired depth (with slightly bitter, earthy notes).
Once, we tossed walnuts into a brownie mix meant for hazelnuts. The result?
Absolutely spot-on delicious.
3 - Pecans
While pecans may not be your first thought for a hazelnut swap, they nailed it in our tests. They have a buttery taste that brings a new layer of flavor to any dish (with caramel-like, sweet notes).
We found that in a one-to-one swap, pecans add a richness that hazelnuts can't always hit. The subtle sweetness of pecans improves baked goods in a way that's hard to put down.
Ever swapped pecans into your favorite cookie recipe? We did, and the results were unexpectedly amazing.
If you're keen to beef up your nut substitution game, check out this handy **guide on pecan substitutes** - it might just be what you need.
4 - Macadamia Nuts
We tried them, and found they're a perfect 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
Macadamias bring butter-like flavor and a creamy texture, making them ideal for baking (Macadamia integrifolia). Our test in cookies proved they deliver a rich taste.
This guide to substituting macadamia nuts offers a wealth of information on macadamia oil substitutes for cooking.
5 - Pistachios
Pistachios, these little green gems, stood out in our swap test for hazelnuts. We found they're a spot-on substitute, one-for-one in recipes.
Their bright green really pops in dishes, unlike the muted tones you get with hazelnuts (Pistacia vera).
They bring a slightly sweet, rich flavor that makes baked treats pop and pair beautifully in beet and citrus salads with pistachios.
Have you ever thought of tossing them into your favorite cake? We did, and boy, did everyone give it a thumbs up.
If you're looking to shake up your baking game with some new nutty flavors, checking out our dive into pistachio alternatives for baking might be just what you need.
6 - Peanuts
For those on a budget, peanuts are an easy and cost-effective substitute for hazelnuts (Arachis hypogaea, a legume).
Their slightly salty flavor adds complexity to dishes, making them a great pick for cookies or cakes.
We love putting peanuts into our brownies instead of hazelnuts. It's a simple switch that often results in "wow, these are amazing!" reactions.
Want more ideas for peanut substitutes in baking? Check out this guide for some creative options like crispy air fryer roasted peanuts.
7 - Cashews
While not traditionally used in baked goods, cashews made a surprisingly delicious substitute for hazelnuts. They have a mild flavor and creamy texture that works well in most recipes (with a naturally sweet, buttery note).
We found they work best in a 1:1 ratio, but can also be used to add richness and creaminess to desserts like cheesecake or pudding.
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out your hazelnuts for cashews in your next batch of cookies and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Check out this guide for more tips on using cashews as a substitute in baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almonds are a great substitute for hazelnuts in chocolate desserts, offering a similar crunch with a slightly different flavor.
Yes, walnuts can replace hazelnuts in most baking recipes, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor, but slightly stronger in taste.
Yes, pecans work well as a substitute for hazelnuts in pies, adding a rich flavor with a slightly softer texture.
Yes, pistachios are a great alternative in cookies, offering a distinct flavor and bright color while maintaining a crunchy texture.
Yes, peanuts can replace hazelnuts in savory dishes, although they have a stronger flavor and different texture.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
