After a first half of few opportunities the game burst in to life six minutes after the interval when Norwich took the lead against the run of play when Steven Whittaker reacted quickest to convert the rebound from his initial shot.
Everton's players were determined to register a victory in Roberto Martinez's first game in charge and scored twice in four minutes to turn the game on its head.
First teenage midfielder Ross Barkley lashed home before Seamus Coleman tapped in following a smart John Ruddy save from a Nikica Jelavic shot.
But the visitors could not hold on as Norwich's £8.5million summer signing Van Wolfswinkel rose to head home a wayward Whittaker strike to secure a share of the spoils.
"He's certainly done today what we wanted him to do," Hughton said.
"That's about working hard for the team. He certainly gave us a good outlet up front. He's a willing runner up front and I'm really pleased for him. It was certainly a nice feeling to get a goal on his debut.
"He is someone that is used to scoring goals. The challenge now is to do it at the top level."
The former Sporting Lisbon frontman was one of two debutants in the Norwich side, with winger Nathan Redmond also making his bow fresh from scoring for England's Under-21s in midweek.
Redmond was lively throughout for the hosts and Hughton reckons he will take a lot of experience from his display as he looks to develop in to a top-class player.
Source: PA
Source: PA