Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe

Prepare to fall head over heels with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, a luxurious drink that turns chilly evenings into cozy celebrations. This luscious blend of creamy chocolate and golden caramel, finished with a perfect pinch of sea salt, is pure magic in a mug. Imagine the silky richness of melted chocolate dancing with buttery caramel, all swirled together for a sweet-and-salty treat that delights both kids and adults. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting friends by the fire, this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is guaranteed to steal the show and warm you from the inside out.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Each component in Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate plays an essential role, from the deep flavor of chocolate to that all-important pinch of sea salt, so don’t skimp!

• Whole Milk: The backbone of our drink, whole milk gives this hot chocolate its trademark creaminess and perfectly supports both chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt smoothly into the milk, adding robust chocolate flavor without being too sweet.
• Creamy Caramel Sauce: This provides the lovely golden swirl and sweet, buttery notes that set this hot chocolate apart.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch at the end helps balance the sweetness and intensifies both chocolate and caramel notes.
• Whipped Cream (optional): For that luscious topping that makes every sip feel like a true treat.
• Extra Caramel Drizzle (optional): Adds visual flair and an extra kick of caramel sweetness on top.

How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Pour the whole milk into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Let it warm gently while stirring often, being careful not to let it boil. You want the milk steamy and hot, but not bubbling, to create that rich, luxurious base without scalding the milk.

Step 2: Melt in the Chocolate

Add your semi-sweet chocolate chips to the warmed milk. Let them sit a moment to soften, then whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. The aroma at this stage will already have you counting down the seconds until it’s ready!

Step 3: Swirl in the Caramel

Now comes the magic: drizzle in your caramel sauce while stirring constantly. The caramel will melt seamlessly into your chocolatey base, adding that signature buttery sweetness and a gorgeous golden hue. Be sure to save a little for the topping!

Step 4: Finish with Salt

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle in a pinch of fine sea salt, whisking so it dissolves evenly. This elevates the drink, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony and giving you those irresistible pops of sweet and salty in every sip.

Step 5: Pour and Garnish

Ladle your steaming Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate into mugs. If you’re feeling decadent, top with a pillow of whipped cream, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, and just a few extra grains of sea salt for sparkle and crunch. Dive in and enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Garnishes

Elevate your cup by piling on whipped cream, then zigzagging extra caramel sauce right on top. For an extra treat, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few mini marshmallows. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt as the finishing touch is heaven for anyone who can’t resist that salty-sweet combo. This is your moment to make every mug look as special as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This decadent drink loves a little something on the side. I love pairing Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti for dunking. For a festive feel, serve with cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, or even slices of banana bread. Anything that echoes those comforting, homey flavors will shine alongside each sip.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate extra memorable by serving it in clear glass mugs to showcase all those gorgeous layers. Hosting a crowd? Set up a hot chocolate bar with bowls of toppings—from caramel bits to crushed pretzels and chocolate curls—so everyone can personalize their perfect mug. For an adult twist, offer a splash of Irish cream or whiskey on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, just heat and whisk again to restore its silky smoothness.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate! Pour cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving a mug, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your chilled or thawed hot chocolate into a saucepan and warm over low heat, whisking occasionally so everything becomes rich and creamy again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as gentle stovetop heat keeps the texture smooth and prevents scorching.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Just keep in mind that the creaminess and flavor will vary a little, but you’ll still get that signature sweet-and-salty magic.

What type of caramel sauce is best?

Homemade caramel is always a treat if you have time, but any good-quality store-bought caramel sauce will shine. Look for one that’s thick and buttery for the richest results. Salted or unsalted caramel both work, as you’ll finish with sea salt to balance it all out.

Can I make this hot chocolate in advance for a party?

Yes! Prepare the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate ahead of time, cool, and refrigerate. Simply reheat just before serving, then set out all your favorite toppings so everyone can dress up their mug to their heart’s content.

What can I do if I don’t have chocolate chips?

Chop up a good-quality chocolate bar instead—aim for semi-sweet or dark chocolate. You’ll want about the same weight as the chips. The end result will be just as rich and satisfying.

Can I make this drink less sweet?

Of course! Reduce the amount of caramel, or use more bittersweet chocolate for a deeper, less sugary hot chocolate. The sea salt will still work its magic, balancing flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, you’re in for the coziest treat around. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature comfort drink after just one creamy, dreamy mug. So gather those simple ingredients, give it a try, and let every delicious sip warm you up from the inside out!

Print