When the weather turns cool, nothing beats a warm drink. I often find myself craving a comforting cup of hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to make any afternoon feel a little more special.
Today, I’m sharing two delightful hot chocolate recipes that are easy to make at home. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, sweet treat that will warm you right up.
Jump to Recipe:
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
This rich salted caramel hot chocolate is a perfect mix of sweet and a little salty. It’s so creamy and satisfying, you’ll want another cup right away.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Good Quality Cocoa: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper, smoother chocolate taste. It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce works great, but homemade adds a special touch. Drizzle extra on top for serving.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top really brings out the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.
What You Need to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
- 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce, plus more for garnish
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 serving
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Base
In a small saucepan, combine cocoa powder and sugar. Add hot water and stir until smooth and thick, forming a paste. This helps prevent lumps.
Step 2: Warm and Combine
Pour in the milk and salted caramel sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and steaming. Make sure not to let it boil.
Step 3: Serve Warm
Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, extra caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you like. Enjoy!
📝 Final Note on Caramel Hot Chocolate
For an even thicker and more luxurious drink, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of some of the milk. It makes it extra creamy.
Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
This sugar cookie white hot chocolate tastes just like a holiday cookie in a mug. It’s sweet, creamy, and wonderfully comforting for a cool day.
Key Ingredients & Tips for White Hot Chocolate
- White Chocolate Quality: Use good quality white chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar. This makes the drink extra smooth and flavorful.
- Almond Extract: Just a tiny bit of almond extract gives it that classic sugar cookie taste. Don’t add too much!
- Sprinkles: A fun sprinkle of colored sugar or holiday sprinkles on top makes it festive and pretty.
What You Need for Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
⏱️ Time: 8 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 serving
How to Make Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. Make sure not to let it boil.
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate & Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the white chocolate chips, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the chocolate is fully melted and the drink is smooth.
Step 3: Pour and Enjoy
Pour the white hot chocolate into a mug. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles if you wish. Serve right away.
📝 Final Note on Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate
You can add a tiny drop of food coloring to make it a festive color, like red or green, for holidays or special occasions.
