• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Toasty Kitchen

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • FAQ
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

    Published: Dec 17, 2019 · Modified: Apr 1, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 656 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Salted caramel hot chocolate recipe.
    Salted caramel hot chocolate recipe.
    Salted caramel hot chocolate recipe.

    Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is a rich and sweet hot beverage that's perfect for winter weather. Homemade caramel sauce is blended with chocolate chips and milk, then topped with homemade whipped cream.

    Salted caramel hot chocolate in a glass mug.

    You're going to love this recipe for salted caramel hot chocolate because it's made entirely from scratch with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. You may even have what you need in your pantry already!

    First, you'll make your own homemade caramel sauce on the stove top, which takes only a few minutes. Next, you'll add your remaining hot chocolate ingredients and warm until ready to serve.

    I've also included an easy whipped cream recipe if you're inclined to make your own - it's decadent, rich, and totally worth it! A nice alternative to marshmallows, if you're looking to mix things up.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients for hot chocolate.Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a rich, chocolate flavor to the hot chocolate. I do not recommend using milk chocolate chips, because your hot chocolate will turn out very sweet.

    Whole milk, or any fat % of milk (or a milk substitute) can be used in this recipe. Keep in mind that the lower the fat % (like skim milk), the thinner the hot chocolate will be.

    I've included my recipe for homemade whipped cream, but this can be omitted or substituted with a store bought whipped topping.

    Melting ingredients to make a caramel sauce.First, you'll make a caramel sauce. Then, you'll add your milk and chocolate chips and whisk until your hot chocolate is heated through and ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    The entire recipe comes together in a single saucepan, making cleanup a breeze!

    Melting chocolate chips to make hot chocolate.Hot chocolate toppings

    I've included my recipe for homemade whipped cream in the recipe card below, which makes a rich and indulgent hot chocolate topping.

    You can also top your hot chocolate with a handful of mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or chocolate syrup.

    Caramel dripping down the side of a mug of hot chocolate.

    What to serve with hot chocolate

    Make a snack to go with your hot chocolate - here are a few salty and sweet ideas:

    • Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow Snack Mix
    • Sweet Holiday Chex Mix
    • Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists
    • Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie Dippers
    • Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts
    • Spicy Garlic Chex Mix
    Salted caramel hot chocolate in a glass mug.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 reviews

    Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

    Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is a rich and sweet hot beverage that's perfect for winter weather. Homemade caramel sauce is blended with chocolate chips and milk, then topped with homemade whipped cream.
    This recipe makes four large mugs, or six smaller servings, of hot chocolate.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Cook Time10 minutes
    Total Time15 minutes
    Servings: 4 drinks
    Calories: 619kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    Hot Chocolate

    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 3 ¾ cups milk, divided
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

    Whipped Cream (optional)

    • ½ cup heavy cream, cold
    • 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, butter, salt, and ¼ cup of milk. Stir until ingredients have melted and incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until caramel has thickened slightly.
    • Optionally, reserve 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to use as a topping.
    • Add remaining milk and chocolate chips to the saucepan of caramel. Whisk to incorporate, and continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Tiny bits of chocolate will be visible in your hot chocolate.
    • Warm for another 1-2 minutes, or until hot chocolate is heated to your liking. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Whipped Cream (optional)

    • In a bowl, add cold heavy cream and confectioner's sugar. Whip for 1-2 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Add a dollop on top of each mug of hot chocolate just before serving.
    • Optionally, top your hot chocolate with chocolate shavings, sea salt, and reserved caramel.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • SS 3-Quart Saucepan
    • OXO Metal Balloon Whisk
    • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups
    • Glass Mugs

    Notes

    • This recipe will make four large servings (think big coffee mugs), or six smaller servings.
    • If omitting whipped cream topping, subtract 114 calories from each serving of hot chocolate.
    • Using chocolate chips in hot chocolate will leave beautiful flecks of chocolate throughout your drink. Some will rise to the top as it sits, giving an ombre effect to your drink. 

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 1068IU | Calcium: 347mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: American

    More recipes

    • Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
    • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
    • Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
    • Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

    More Drink Recipes

    • 27 Warm Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks
    • Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
    • New Year's Eve Celebration Punch
    • Watermelon Mint Slushie

    Share this recipe:

    Subscribe

    Get our newest recipes delivered to your inbox for free!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

    More about me →

    Winter recipes

    • Winter Fruit Salad
    • Slow Cooker Spicy Bison Chili
    • Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Kielbasa Potato Soup

    Reader Favorites

    • Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
    • Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes
    • Easy White Cupcakes
    • Vanilla Sheet Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As seen in

    logos of publications The Toasty Kitchen has been published in.

    Copyright © 2023 The Toasty Kitchen®