This warm and cozy salted caramel hot chocolate is like a hug in a mug! Rich cocoa meets sweet caramel, topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect flavor twist.
Every sip is a charming blend of chocolatey goodness and salty sweetness that just makes you smile! I love making it a treat on chilly nights—perfect for snuggling up with a movie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: I recommend using whole milk for creaminess, but any milk can work, like almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to your hot chocolate. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce this to just 1/4 cup or use half-and-half instead. Non-dairy creamers work too for dairy-free options.
Chocolate Chips: Good-quality chocolate makes all the difference. Semi-sweet or dark is my go-to, but if you prefer milk chocolate, that’s perfectly fine too! You can even use cocoa powder instead; just increase the amount slightly.
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel is great if you have time! Otherwise, store-bought works perfectly. For a healthier twist, try using maple syrup or date syrup.
Sea Salt: You can use regular salt if that’s what you have. A touch of flaky sea salt really enhances the flavors, so don’t skip it if you can!
How Do You Make Sure Your Hot Chocolate Stays Smooth?
The key to a smooth hot chocolate is to carefully heat your milk and cream. Avoid boiling, as it can curdle the milk.
- Heat over medium until it’s steaming but not bubbling.
- Whisk in cocoa powder well to dissolve clumps before adding chocolate.
- Keep stirring while your chocolate melts to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
With these steps, your hot chocolate will turn out silky and delicious every time! Enjoy your cozy treat!
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Drink:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salted caramel hot chocolate takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serve. With just a few steps, you can whip up a warm and comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk and Cream:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling. You want it nice and steamy—this will be the base of your hot chocolate!
2. Mix in the Cocoa Powder:
Once the milk mixture is hot, whisk in the cocoa powder until it’s fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This will give the hot chocolate a rich chocolatey taste!
3. Add the Chocolate:
Next, add the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) to the saucepan. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is nice and smooth.
4. Enhance the Flavor:
Now, stir in the caramel sauce, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well so that all the flavors combine together. You’ll love the sweet and salty balance!
5. Pour into Mugs:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, filling them up with all that deliciousness.
6. Add Your Toppings:
Top each mug with a generous handful of mini marshmallows. If you like, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs on top for some extra texture!
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Finish off with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the marshmallows and add a small pinch of sea salt for that perfect finishing touch. It’ll look as amazing as it tastes!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salted caramel hot chocolate immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth it brings. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk works great. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor and creaminess of your hot chocolate, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more caramel sauce to taste or a little bit of sugar. Start with a teaspoon and adjust according to your preference.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving. You may want to add a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the hot chocolate mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving, adding any garnishes fresh for the best experience!
