Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Print-Friendly Version)

A comforting hot chocolate blend with homemade salted caramel, rich cocoa, and luscious toppings.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Salted Caramel Base

01 - 100 g granulated sugar
02 - 42 g unsalted butter
03 - 60 ml heavy cream
04 - 2.5 ml vanilla extract
05 - 1.25 ml sea salt

→ Hot Chocolate

06 - 960 ml whole milk
07 - 27 g unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 45 g dark chocolate chips
09 - 25 g brown sugar
10 - 1 pinch salt

→ Toppings

11 - Whipped cream
12 - Caramel drizzle
13 - Flaky sea salt
14 - Mini marshmallows (optional)

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Heat granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber in color. Whisk in butter and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
02 - Warm whole milk in a separate pot. Whisk in cocoa powder until fully incorporated. Add dark chocolate chips, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.
03 - Pour the salted caramel base into the hot chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Adjust sweetness if needed.
04 - Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, flaky sea salt, and optional mini marshmallows.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - Ensure sugar fully dissolves when making caramel to avoid a grainy texture. Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor. Adjust caramel and toppings according to taste.