Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons (8g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons (3g) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 heaping tablespoon salted caramel sauce (plus optional more for topping)
- 1 cup milk (any percentage)
Optional Toppings
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Stir together to mix evenly.
- Add Water and Heat: Add the tablespoon of water to the saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined to form a cocoa syrup.
- Incorporate Caramel Sauce: Stir the heaping tablespoon of salted caramel sauce into the cocoa syrup, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Milk and Heat: Pour in 1 cup of milk and continue to heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into an 8-ounce mug. Top with optional marshmallows, whipped cream, and extra caramel sauce as desired, then serve immediately and enjoy!
- Microwave Alternative: In a microwave-safe mug, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Stir until smooth, then microwave for 15 seconds. Stir again to ensure syrup is fully mixed. Add caramel sauce and stir until smooth. Stir in milk and microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until steaming hot. Stir once more before serving.
Notes
- If using regular caramel sauce instead of salted caramel, add a generous pinch of table salt or fine sea salt along with the caramel to achieve the salted effect.
- Microwave instructions provide a quicker method to prepare the hot chocolate without using the stovetop.
- Milk of any fat percentage (whole, 2%, skim, or plant-based milk) can be used according to preference.
- Do not let the hot chocolate boil to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American