Description
A rich, creamy, and salty-sweet hot chocolate made with real chocolate and caramel sauce. This cozy winter drink is ready in under 15 minutes and tastes like a high-end coffee shop treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a 3-quart saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Warm gently until small bubbles form around the edges and steam rises (about 160°F/70°C), stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Do not boil.
- Reduce heat to low and add the chocolate chips. Let them sit for a minute to soften, then whisk continuously until completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the caramel is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Taste the hot chocolate and adjust sweetness or saltiness to preference.
- Pour immediately into warm mugs. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the milk as it can scorch and change the flavor. Remove from heat before adding caramel to prevent separation. For a lighter version, use 2% milk and reduce caramel to ¼ cup. For a dairy-free version, use oat or almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: hot chocolate, salted caramel, winter recipe, cozy drink, homemade hot chocolate, easy dessert drink, comfort food