If cozy season had a signature drink, it would be this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. It tastes like a dessert in a mug — rich, velvety, ultra-chocolatey, and laced with buttery salted caramel that melts right in. It’s the kind of movie-night drink that makes you forget the weather outside even exists. And the best part? You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to make it at home.
This recipe is inspired by classic hot chocolate, but it’s made with a real chocolate bar (not just store-bought hot cocoa) so you”ll get the most delectable flavor profile! And, if you’re craving more cozy winter drinks, check out my Classic Hot Chocolate, Masala Chai, and Golden Milk.
Key Ingredients for Salted caramel hot chocolate:
If you want to make the best salted caramel hot chocolate, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- Milk: Any milk works — oat milk, whole milk, 2%, cashew, etc. Use what makes you happiest.
- Chocolate: Use a chopped chocolate bar for the smoothest texture. Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work.
- Baking Caramels: Store-bought or homemade; this melts into the hot chocolate for buttery sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds depth of chocolate flavor.
- Sugar: Adjust depending on the chocolate and caramel you use.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the caramel; flaky salt on top is the move.
- Whipped Cream (optional): For topping — makes it extra cozy.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle (optional): Highly encouraged.
Recipe Tip
Don’t boil the milk: Boiling can cause curdling or grainy texture. Keeping it just-steaming ensures everything melts smoothly.
Use real chocolate, not just cocoa powder: Real chocolate gives hot chocolate that luscious, café-style mouthfeel. Cocoa alone won’t get you there. Combining both gives the best depth and richness.
Whisk constantly: This prevents scorching on the bottom of the pot and keeps the texture silky.
Customize the sweetness: Caramels vary wildly. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly — some are buttery and subtle, others taste like straight-up candy.
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
- Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
- Stir in the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Taste, adjust sweetness or salt, and serve with whipped cream and extra caramel.
FAQ
I was first introduced to this drink at a Starbucks years ago. Starbucks has a version of this with coffee (a salted caramel mocha) and one without (the salted caramel hot chocolate). It’s basically just like any regular hot chocolate, but even more indulgent and rich because it includes melted baking caramels and a touch of sea salt.
Yes! Store in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1.5 c Soy Vanilla Milk, (or your milk of choice!)
- 125 g Milk Chocolate Bar
- 2 tbsp Hershey's Cocoa Powder
- 3 Baking Caramels
- Hefty Pinch of Sea Salt
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Heat the milk: Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot and steaming, but not boiling. Boiling can cause the milk to scorch or the chocolate to separate, so keep it gentle.
- Melt the chocolate: Add the chopped chocolate straight into the warm milk and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add cocoa and sugar: Sprinkle in the cocoa powder and sugar, whisking well to dissolve any lumps. This deepens the chocolate flavor and adds structure.
- Add caramel and flavorings: Stir in the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The caramel should melt seamlessly into the hot chocolate.
- Adjust and finish: Taste and adjust — add more caramel for sweetness, more cocoa for richness, or a little more salt to highlight the caramel. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and flaky salt.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Super delicious!!! Perfect for the holidays! ✨
Who knew hot chocolate could be THIS good? Ah man, I make this for my family every winter and they love it!