Dunkin Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Dunkin’ regulars know the salted caramel hot chocolate is a menu item worth ordering even in the middle of summer. This copycat version starts with a simple cocoa, sugar, and water base, stirred with milk and a splash of salted caramel syrup, then finished with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Making it at home means you can adjust the sweetness and skip the drive-thru line whenever the craving hits. It comes together in about 10 minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave, whichever is faster for you.
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This copycat starts the same way most homemade hot chocolate does, by cooking cocoa powder, sugar, and water into a smooth, pourable base, then stirring in milk. What sets the Dunkin’ version apart is the salted caramel syrup mixed right into the glass, plus a caramel drizzle and a pinch of flaky salt over the whipped cream.
It’s a single-serving recipe that works just as well made on the stovetop or in the microwave, so it fits whether you have five minutes before work or want to sip something rich after dinner.
Why this recipe works
Cooking the cocoa powder, sugar, and water together first, rather than dumping everything in with the milk at once, dissolves the cocoa fully and keeps the drink from turning lumpy or grainy. Adding the milk after that base is smooth means it only needs to be warmed through, not boiled, which prevents scorching. The salted caramel syrup goes directly into the glass rather than into the pot, so its flavor stays bright instead of cooking off, and the flaky salt on top gives a final burst of contrast against the sweetness.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make salted caramel hot chocolate:
- Cocoa powder – Provides the rich chocolate base for the drink.
- Sugar – Sweetens the chocolate base and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Water – Helps dissolve the cocoa and sugar into a smooth base before the milk goes in.
- Milk – Adds creaminess and rounds out the hot chocolate’s body.
- Salted caramel syrup – delivers the signature sweet-and-salty caramel flavor of the Dunkin’ version.
- Caramel syrup – Adds a caramel drizzle and extra flavor.
- Whipped cream – Tops the drink with a light, creamy finish.
- Flaky sea salt – Garnishes the top for a final salty-sweet contrast.
Ingredient Notes
- Dutch-process cocoa powder gives a smoother, less acidic flavor than natural cocoa powder, though either works fine here.
- Bottled salted caramel syrup is easy to find in the coffee aisle at most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home and stir in a pinch of salt.
- A pinch of flaky sea salt on top makes a greater visual and flavor impact than fine table salt.
If you can’t find salted caramel syrup, you can buy some from Amazon. Check out this wonderful Torani Syrup, Salted Caramel, 25.4 Ounce
.
The great part about this salted caramel hot chocolate is that you can make it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You make a simple chocolate base with cocoa, sugar, and water. Add milk, simmer, then pour in a mug with salted caramel syrup. Top with whipped cream and caramel syrup.
Love Dunkin’? Check out these copycat recipes
- Dunkin’ Caramel Iced Coffee
- Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Coolatta
- Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
- Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Recipes for Caramel Lovers
- Hot Caramel Macchiato
- Homemade Caramel Frappe
- Caramel Syrup
- Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Caramel Apple Martini Recipe
- Caramel Apple Dip
- Caramel Crunch Popcorn
- Easy Caramel Popcorn with Corn Syrup
- How to Make Caramels at Home
Be sure to take a look at more copycat drinks and winter recipes.
Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Dunkin’ Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
Instructions
Stovetop
- In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, pressing out any lumps as it heats.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for a minute or two, until the mixture is smooth and warm.
- Add the milk to the saucepan and heat through, without letting it boil.
- Pour the salted caramel syrup into a glass or mug, then pour in the hot chocolate.
- Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel syrup, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Microwave
- In a microwave-safe glass, mix together the cocoa powder and sugar.
- In a separate microwave-safe container, warm the milk and water for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Pour the milk mixture over the cocoa powder mixture and stir until smooth.
- Add the salted caramel syrup to the glass and stir in.
- Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel syrup, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Whisk the cocoa, sugar, and water mixture instead of just stirring it. A whisk breaks up lumps far more effectively than a spoon.
- Warm the milk gently rather than letting it boil, so it doesn’t scorch or form a skin on top.
- Taste before adding the full amount of salted caramel syrup, then adjust up or down depending on how sweet and salty you like the finished drink.
I know it’s summer, but I love hot chocolate anytime of year.
Awesome
Delicious!