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Copycat Dunkin’ Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Copycat Dunkin' Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate - recipe card
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A rich, velvety hot chocolate with a deep cocoa flavor, swirled with salted caramel and finished with a dollop of whipped cream and flaky sea salt. This homemade version rivals the original with its creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweet-salty finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup lightly sweetened whipped cream (optional, for serving)
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Place over medium heat and warm until steam rises from the surface and small bubbles form around the edges, about 4 minutes. Do not let it boil, as boiling can scorch the milk and create a skin.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the sifted cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sifting the cocoa prevents lumps and ensures a smooth hot chocolate.
  3. Once the milk mixture is hot, reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the liquid, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Continue whisking until the cocoa and sugar are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the 1/4 cup caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the caramel is fully incorporated and the hot chocolate is uniform in color, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a little more caramel or sugar.
  5. Increase the heat to medium-low and continue to heat the hot chocolate, stirring occasionally with a heatproof spatula, until it is steaming hot and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. If desired, use an immersion blender or whisk vigorously to create a light foam on top for a more indulgent texture.
  7. Divide the hot chocolate evenly among four mugs. For each serving, drizzle about 2 teaspoons of extra caramel sauce over the surface.
  8. If using, top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream (about 2 tablespoons per serving). Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while hot. For an extra salted caramel kick, you can stir in an additional pinch of kosher salt into each mug before serving.
  10. For a cleaner presentation, run a butter knife through the caramel drizzle in a figure-eight pattern before adding the whipped cream.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The mixture may separate; re whisk or blend before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly, until steaming (do not boil). Alternatively, microwave in a mug at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. For a thicker, extra-indulgent version, substitute 1 cup of whole milk with an additional 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup half-and-half. The caramel sauce can be homemade: gently heat 1/2 cup sugar over medium until amber, then whisk in 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel hot chocolate, Dunkin Donuts copycat, hot cocoa, caramel hot chocolate, winter drink, cozy beverage, homemade hot chocolate, caramel sauce, salted caramel, creamy hot chocolate, stovetop drink, dessert drink

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/copycat-dunkin-donuts-salted-caramel-hot-chocolate/