Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Printer-friendly)

A decadent, creamy hot chocolate infused with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt, perfect for cozy evenings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Chocolate & Caramel

03 - 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
04 - 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

→ Sweetener & Flavor

05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for garnish
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings

08 - Whipped cream
09 - Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
10 - Pinch of flaky sea salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
02 - Add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and sugar to the warm milk mixture. Whisk continuously until chocolate and caramel are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
03 - Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or saltiness according to personal preference.
04 - Pour the prepared hot chocolate into two serving mugs, distributing evenly between them.
05 - Top each mug with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the caramel swirls into the hot milk creating these golden ribbons that taste like pure comfort
  • That perfect moment when sea salt hits sweet chocolate and your brain does this happy little surprised dance
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes but feels like something from a fancy cafe
02 -
  • Never walk away while heating the milk because it will absolutely boil over the second you turn your back
  • The mixture thickens slightly as it cools so do not panic if it seems thinner than you expected at first
03 -
  • Make your own caramel sauce once and you will never go back to store bought
  • Use a milk frother for that coffee shop foam on top without buying expensive equipment

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