Copycat Dunkin Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Make a rich, creamy Copycat Dunkin Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at home. It’s quick, affordable, and perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Why This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Works

Combining deep chocolate flavor with sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt creates a balanced beverage that tastes indulgent without being cloying. Sea salt enhances the chocolate and caramel, bringing out subtle flavors that plain table salt does not.

Sea salt is minimally processed and tends to have a coarser texture and brighter flavor than table salt. For this recipe, using sea salt—even a tiny pinch—makes a noticeable difference in the final cup.

Quick Microwave Method — No Stove Required

This copycat version can be made entirely in the microwave in just a few minutes. Use a large microwave-safe mug so you have room for whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.

You only need a handful of common pantry ingredients to create a café-style drink at home.

Ingredients

2 to 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (use natural cocoa, not Dutch-processed)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (or a zero-calorie sweetener to taste)
1 cup whole milk (2% or almond milk work as alternatives)
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus a tiny pinch for topping)
2 tbsp caramel syrup (regular or sugar-free)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 to 3 tbsp whipped cream (canned or homemade)
1 to 2 tsp caramel syrup for drizzling

Simple Microwave Instructions

In a large microwave-safe mug, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and sea salt until evenly combined.
Heat the milk in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, or until steaming hot. (Times vary by microwave; do not boil.)
Remove the milk from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract and caramel syrup until fully incorporated.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the cocoa mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and evenly blended.
Top with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel syrup, and finish with the smallest pinch of sea salt on top.

Enjoy the creamy, salted caramel goodness!

Recipe Notes and Variations

For a richer drink, substitute half-and-half for some of the milk.
Use almond or oat milk to make this dairy-free—adjust caramel syrup to taste for sweetness.
Want it less sweet? Reduce the sugar by 1 tablespoon or use a sugar-free caramel syrup.
To make a larger batch, multiply ingredients and heat on the stove over low heat for even blending.

Printable Version

Below is a concise printable recipe for one large serving.

Copycat Dunkin Donuts Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate — Serves: 1 (large)

Ingredients:

2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp granulated sugar (or sweetener to taste)
1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or alternative)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp caramel syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping
Caramel syrup and a tiny pinch of sea salt for garnish

Directions:

Whisk cocoa, sugar, and sea salt in a large mug.
Heat milk until hot (about 60–90 seconds in the microwave).
Stir vanilla and caramel into the hot milk, then pour into the mug, stirring until smooth.
Top with whipped cream, drizzle caramel, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.