Name: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar ((use less if you like a less sweet beverage)); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa; 1 cup milk; 1 cup salted caramel ice cream ((1/2 pint)); Garnishes: whipped cream (marshmallows, caramel sauce, pinch of sea salt)

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Rich, thick and chocolaty, this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate really hits the spot. Melted ice cream is added to rich cocoa to make a creamy beverage so decadent you might just think it's dessert. Serve topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce whenever you want to take the chill out of winter. It's lick your lips delicious!

Hot chocolate is one of my best childhood memories. My mom used to make the best cocoa and she'd always have some ready when I came home from ice skating at the park.

So whenever I want to warm up with a little comfort food, hot cocoa is it! I've made Mexican Hot Chocolate with a touch of cinnamon and Kahlua Hot Chocolate with a bit of a kick, but this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate has got to be the most decadent and delicious of the bunch.

This Melted Ice Cream Hot Chocolate is incredibly easy to make and uses only a few simple ingredients. Milk, a little sugar, your favorite ice cream, in this case sea salt caramel and powdered cocoa, dark chocolate being the best! You can make it on the stovetop or, even easier, using the microwave, and whip it up in under 10 minutes.

Of course, the toppings can make it even more indulgent and run anywhere from simple whipped cream to drizzles of caramel and chocolate sauce, mini-marshmallows and colorful sprinkles.

Variations

This creamy hot chocolate can be enjoyed all different ways. Serve it with your favorite ingredients or set up a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar and let everyone add the flavors they want, from ice cream to liquor, to toppings.

Change up the flavor of ice cream. Try Peanut Butter Chip, Butter Pecan (or Bourbon Praline Pecan - yum), Mint Chocolate Chip, Coffee or even Rocky Road.
Add a bit of a kick, about 2 ounces, of your favorite liquor such as Kahlua, whiskey, bourbon, brandy, peppermint schnapps, marshmallow, mint or vanilla vodka, tequila, Drambuie or even red wine.
Touch it up with some spices. Cinnamon is always a favorite, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and even cayenne.
Replace about ¼ cup of the milk with a flavored coffee cream such as French Vanilla or a seasonal flavor like eggnog, pumpkin or peppermint.

How to make Melted Ice Cream Hot Chocolate

Gather the ingredients. Chocolate powder brings the hot chocolate flavor, ice cream for added flavor and creaminess, sugar for a touch of sweetness and milk for the base. (photo 1)
Place sugar and cocoa powder in saucepan or a microwavable-safe measuring cup. (photo 2)
Add milk. (photo 3)
Bring to a boil just until all sugar is dissolved or heat in microwave for 60 seconds, stirring halfway. (photo 4)
Add ice cream and stir until melted. Reheat if it is not hot enough for your tastes. (photo 5)
Pour into mug and garnish as desired. (photo 6)

This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is likely to become your all-time favorite way to keep warm this winter. It's sweet, creamy and unbelievably heavenly but, be warned, it will spoil you for all other hot chocolates. So wrap your hands around a mug, savor and enjoy!

More warming beverages

Irish Coffee flavors your normal cup of joe with creamy Irish Cream, a touch of whiskey and bit of brown sugar.

S'mores Coffee has all the flavors of your favorite s'mores treat, chocolate, marshmallow creme and a topping of graham cracker crumbs.

Buckeye Latte Cocktail is for all the peanut butter and chocolate lovers out there.

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