How to Make the Perfect Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa
American · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
This indulgent salted caramel hot cocoa combines rich chocolate with buttery caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt for a decadent warm drink experience. A luxurious cozy beverage that tastes like a dessert in a mug and is perfect for treating yourself on a cold day.
Why this recipe works
This Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix Cocoa and Sugar
Whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan until evenly combined.
Step 2: Heat with Milk
Gradually pour in the milk whisking constantly over medium heat until the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Serve
Stir in the caramel sauce until fully incorporated. Pour into mugs top with whipped cream drizzle with additional caramel sauce and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- caramel sauce → dulce de leche for an even richer deeper caramel flavor
- whole milk → oat milk for a dairy free version that still feels creamy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much salt which overwhelms the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors
- Using too little caramel sauce resulting in a hot cocoa that lacks the signature caramel flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 8g protein, 38g carbs, 11g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →