There's nothing quite as comforting as a mug of hot chocolate, especially when it's laced with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel and a hint of sea salt. This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink for those chilly days when all you want is to snuggle up with something warm and indulgent.
Whole milk is the base of our drink, providing a creamy texture that carries the other flavors beautifully. Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers the chocolatey goodness without overwhelming sweetness. Granulated sugar sweetens the deal just right, while caramel sauce introduces that deep, buttery richness we crave. A dash of vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity, and sea salt enhances all the flavors, giving that lovely salted caramel finish. Finally, whipped cream tops it all off like a cloud of deliciousness.
This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate pairs beautifully with a slice of buttery shortbread or a warm croissant. For a more decadent treat, serve it alongside a rich chocolate cake or brownie. It’s also lovely on its own as a dessert drink after a hearty meal.
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Pour in the whole milk and set the heat to medium. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar to the milk. Keep stirring with a whisk or a spoon — you don’t want any lumps, and stirring helps everything dissolve nicely. Once the mixture is warm and well-combined, it’s time for the magic ingredient: caramel sauce. Pour it in along with a touch of vanilla extract, and keep stirring until the caramel is fully melted and blended with the hot chocolate.
Now, carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. This is where the fun begins! Generously dollop whipped cream on top, letting it float and melt slightly into the drink. Drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the whipped cream, and finish with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt to bring out all the wonderful flavors. Serve immediately, savoring the rich, sweet, and salty experience.
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