Caramel Hot Chocolate With Drizzle Swirls – A Golden Winter Treat

I love making caramel hot chocolate with stunning drizzle swirls for holiday treats!

Just warm milk in a saucepan, whisk in chocolate chips and caramel sauce until smooth, then add a splash of vanilla.

Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and here’s the magic – use chilled caramel in a squeeze bottle to create those perfect swirls on top!

The secret to those Instagram-worthy designs is waiting in my detailed technique below.

Ingredients

• • Whole milk
  • Semisweet chocolate chips
  • Salted caramel sauce
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling
  • For a truly indulgent experience, consider adding decadent French hot chocolate to elevate your beverage to a luxurious level.

Recommended Tools

Creating the perfect caramel hot chocolate becomes so much easier when you have the right tools in your kitchen. With these must-have items, you can warm milk, melt chocolate and create those beautiful caramel swirls without any frustration or mess.

• • Medium Saucepan:
    

    Essential for warming milk and melting chocolate chips without scorching or burning.

  • Whisk:
    

    Helps blend the chocolate chips and caramel sauce smoothly into the warm milk.

  • Measuring Cups:
    

    Ensures you get the right ratio of milk, chocolate chips and caramel sauce for perfect flavor.

  • Measuring Spoons:
    

    Perfect for adding just the right amount of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

  • Heat-Resistant Mugs:
    

    Ideal for serving your hot chocolate without worrying about cracking or burning hands.

  • Squeeze Bottle:
    

    Makes creating those beautiful caramel drizzle swirls on top super easy and professional-looking.

Additionally, using the right tools can make meal prep more efficient, allowing you to enjoy your delicious caramel hot chocolate whenever you crave it.</p

Instructions for Caramel Hot Chocolate With Drizzle Swirls

Let’s make this dreamy caramel hot chocolate together! Start by warming 4½ cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let it boil – we want it hot but not bubbling over!

Once your milk is warm, add 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of salted caramel sauce to the pan. Grab your whisk and get to work! Stir everything together until the chocolate completely melts and you’ve got a silky-smooth mixture. Trust me, the amazing smell alone will make your mouth water!

Next, stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – this little splash makes a huge difference in flavor!

Now for the fun part! Remove your chocolatey creation from the heat and pour it into your favorite mugs. Don’t you just love that steamy chocolate waterfall? Go ahead and top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy (and who isn’t?).

For the grand finale, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream in pretty swirls. Get creative with your design – zigzags, hearts, or whatever pattern makes you happy!

Want to take this hot chocolate to the next level? Try using a splash of heavy cream in place of some of the milk for an ultra-rich texture, or swap the caramel for dulce de leche on top. Your taste buds will thank you! Additionally, consider pairing it with creamy overnight oats for a delightful breakfast experience.

Pro Tips

For a truly Instagram-worthy presentation, chill your caramel sauce slightly before drizzling on top of the whipped cream, which creates more defined swirl patterns that won’t immediately sink into the hot chocolate.

Simply transfer a portion of caramel to a squeeze bottle and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes before decorating. Additionally, consider pairing this decadent drink with a festive dessert like Christmas fudge wreath to elevate your holiday treat experience.

Substitutions & Variations

A few creative twists on this classic drink can transform its flavor profile while maintaining the rich caramel essence we all love.

• White Chocolate Version: Substitute white chocolate chips for semisweet chips and add a dash of cinnamon for a lighter but equally indulgent treat.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace whole milk with oat milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based option that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spiced Caramel: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom and a pinch of sea salt to the base recipe for a sophisticated flavor profile with sweet-savory balance.
• Coffee Infusion: Reduce milk by 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for a mocha-caramel hybrid that delivers a caffeine boost.
• Boozy Nightcap: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon, rum or Irish cream liqueur to each serving for an adult version perfect for cold evenings.
• Crispy Complement: Serve your hot chocolate alongside crispy air fryer snacks like shishito peppers for a delightful culinary experience.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

While you mightn’t expect to have leftover caramel hot chocolate, sometimes we make larger batches than needed, especially when entertaining.

Don’t toss that liquid gold! Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days.

When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat it gently on the stove, whisking to restore its silky texture.

Pairs With Cinnamon Cookies

Caramel Hot Chocolate

Yield: 4 Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 15 mins Rating: ★★★★★

A decadent hot chocolate infused with salted caramel and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle swirls.

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Directions:

• Warm milk over medium heat in a saucepan.
• Add chocolate chips and caramel sauce, whisk until smooth and melted.
• Stir in vanilla extract.
• Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
• Top with whipped cream and drizzle extra caramel sauce in swirls.

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