Mocha Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate On a Stick

Last winter, Sarah and I stumbled upon a delightful little treat idea while strolling through our favorite Manhattan market: mocha salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick. With the chill in the air, this was the perfect leisurely project for a cold Sunday afternoon, and ever since, it's become a beloved staple in our home. Not only is this treat utterly decadent, but it's also a fun activity to do together, making the process as gratifying as the taste itself. This recipe is our go-to whenever we need a sweet warm-up or a creative present for friends during the holiday season.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
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Mocha Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate On a Stick

For more easy and sweet homemade treats, check out our gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll adore this recipe because it’s fun to make, easy to prep ahead, and brings a bit of joy into any chilly day. It’s like having a café-worthy hot chocolate experience at home, with minimal fuss and cleanup. Mocha salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick is a dreamy combination that magically melts into a mug of steaming milk, offering layers of rich chocolate, robust espresso, and buttery caramel, all sprinkled with a touch of fancy salt. Sarah loves to sprinkle the final touch of marshmallows, declaring herself the official marshmallow artist of our kitchen.

Ingredients

18 oz chocolate
½ cup cocoa powder
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup espresso powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup caramel bits
20 unwrapped soft caramels
Mini marshmallows
Fleur de sel or Maldon salt

Step-by-step instructions

On a double boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, espresso powder, and salt until combined.
Fill a piping bag with the chocolate mixture and cut out the tip.
Squeeze a small amount of chocolate into the bottom of paper cups, top with a soft caramel, and then fill with more chocolate. Insert popsicle sticks.
Top with more caramel bits and a couple of marshmallows, then sprinkle salt over the chocolate.
Allow to harden for 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.
Peel off the cups and place hot chocolates in a cellophane bag. Add more marshmallows on top.
To make hot chocolate, heat 5 oz whole milk and 2 oz heavy cream until hot. Place one of the hot chocolate sticks in a mug and swirl to melt. Top with mini marshmallows.

Recipe tips & variations

If you’re in the mood for an extra flair, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate mix for a mild heat kick—I promise, it’s divine! Additionally, swapping regular chocolate with dark chocolate gives the final drink a deeper, more intense flavor, which Donald absolutely loves with his morning coffee.

Storage & reheating

Store the sticks at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or refrigerate them if your home is particularly warm. They also make adorable gifts; simply wrap them in cellophane, tie them with a festive ribbon, and you have a heartfelt homemade present ready to delight.

FAQs

How do you make mocha salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick at home?

Melt the chocolate, mix in the dry ingredients, and pour it into molds with caramels. Insert sticks, top it with marshmallows, and let it set.

What type of chocolate works best for mocha salted caramel hot chocolate sticks?

Use a solid, high-quality chocolate with a cocoa content of 50–70%. If you want a richer stick, dark chocolate is fabulous.

How long should the hot chocolate sticks chill before using them?

These sticks should be left to set for at least 4–6 hours; overnight is ideal to ensure they’re firm and ready to use.

Can I make mocha salted caramel hot chocolate sticks ahead for gifting?

Absolutely! Prepare them a week in advance, keep them wrapped, and they’ll stay fresh until gifting time.

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