Description
A cozy and indulgent drink that blends rich chocolate with buttery caramel, perfect for chilly afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups whole milk (or nut milk)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup sugar (or honey/maple syrup to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and turns amber. Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt, remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the hot chocolate: Heat milk and heavy cream in a separate pot over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Add cocoa powder and sugar, whisk until combined.
- Incorporate the caramel: Add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce into the chocolate mixture and stir well.
- Add vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract for added warmth.
- Serve: Pour into mugs, drizzle with more caramel and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or skip it altogether. Feel free to customize with toppings like marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, caramel, cozy drink, winter beverage, indulgent treat