Classic Homemade Butterscotch Hot Cocoa

January 15, 2025

Warm, cozy, and absolutely indulgent—let’s talk about this Classic Homemade Butterscotch Hot Cocoa! It’s a hug in a mug, blending rich cocoa with buttery butterscotch goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little sweetness in your day. Ready to stir up some magic? Let’s do it!

5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Oh, friends, let me take you on a little journey to cozy-town with a steaming mug of this Classic Homemade Butterscotch Hot Cocoa. Imagine it: You’re wrapped in your fluffiest blanket, a light snow (or maybe rain if snow’s not your jam) is tapping against the window, and here you are sipping on a drink that tastes like a warm buttery hug. This isn’t your average hot cocoa—it’s got a twist of toasty butterscotch that elevates it into pure liquid gold. Whether you're treating yourself after a long day or sharing the love with someone special, this is a cup of comfort you won’t forget.

Classic Homemade Butterscotch Hot Cocoa Recipe

What makes this hot cocoa extra magical? It’s the combination of rich, dark cocoa powder and the caramel-like notes of butterscotch that give it that "wow factor." But here’s the kicker—forget those store-bought butterscotch syrups loaded with who-knows-what. We’re talking about using a simple homemade butterscotch sauce made with butter, brown sugar, and cream. Sweet, salty, and just a little smoky, it blends perfectly with the cocoa to create a drink that’s incredibly smooth and decadent. Oh, and don’t forget a pinch of sea salt on top to cut through the sweetness and give you that next-level, gourmet edge. You’re going to feel like a five-star café just opened in your kitchen.

Now, a quick chef-to-kitchen-bestie tip: whisking is your best friend here. The trick to a silky, never-lumpy hot cocoa lies in whisking both the cocoa powder and the butterscotch sauce into the milk slowly—don’t just dump and hope for the best, or you’ll end up with a clumpy mess that no one wants to sip. Also, use whole milk or even a bit of half-and-half if you’re going for the ultimate in creaminess. And hey, if you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk will still work beautifully. Just make sure you heat everything gently and don’t let it boil—you want cozy, not scorched.

So, are you ready to make this dream of a drink happen? Garnish your masterpiece with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce, and maybe even a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy. Or go rogue with a dash of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist. This Classic Homemade Butterscotch Hot Cocoa is like a blank canvas for your creativity. Whether it's your go-to for snowy mornings, dessert-night-in, or just because you deserve something decadent, this recipe will seriously up your cocoa game. Trust me, the hardest part will be not making it every single day.

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•2 cups whole milk
•1/4 cup butterscotch chips
•2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
•2 tablespoons granulated sugar
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1
In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk and heat over medium-low heat until it just begins to steam but does not boil.
2
Stir in the butterscotch chips, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Continuously whisk the mixture until the butterscotch chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4
Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
5
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

280 calories

Protein

Carbs

35g

Fat

12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute whole milk with alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. However, keep in mind that the richness and creaminess may vary depending on the type of milk used.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have butterscotch chips?

A: If you don’t have butterscotch chips, you can use caramel chips or white chocolate chips for a slightly different flavor. Alternatively, you can make a simple butterscotch syrup using butter, brown sugar, and cream as a substitute.

Q: Why aren’t my butterscotch chips melting properly?

A: This might happen if the heat is too high or if the chips are of lower quality. Heat the milk gently over medium-low heat and whisk continuously to help the chips melt evenly. You can also try chopping the chips into smaller pieces before adding them to the milk.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the hot cocoa ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, whisking frequently, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling.

Q: How can I make this drink sweeter or less sweet?

A: To make the drink sweeter, you can add more butterscotch chips or an extra tablespoon of sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or butterscotch chips slightly to suit your taste.

Q: What are some topping ideas besides whipped cream or marshmallows?

A: You can top the hot cocoa with crushed toffee bits, a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor and texture.

Q: Can I add alcohol to this drink for an adult version?

A: Absolutely! You can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as butterscotch schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or spiced rum, after removing the cocoa from the heat. Serve immediately for a warm, boozy treat.

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