Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread has 40% less sugar and tastes like actual hazelnuts; it's also vegan and gluten free with no refined sugar. Great for giving as Christmas gifts
Preheat the oven to 375*F. Add the hazelnuts to a rimmed baking sheet and roast nuts in the preheated oven for 10 minutes {make sure to keep a close eye on them so they don't burn}. Let cool for 5 minutes then add to a covered bowl or to a kitchen towel. Either shake the bowl or rub the hazelnuts to get most of the skin to come off the nuts. {Or just buy skinned hazelnuts. The skin adds a slightly bitter flavor}.
Add the hazelnuts to a high-powered blender/food processor. Blend until a paste forms {should take about 5 minutes}.
Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth and completely combined.
Transfer to a container, and keep tightly covered in the refrigerator or pantry.