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If you’re not a chocolate fan or just want something a little different to share with your friends and family, this hot caramel milk drink mix is just the thing. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with real caramel flavor thanks to one special ingredient – caramelized sugar!
I’ve been making a bunch of hot cocoa mixes for homemade Christmas gifts, and realized that there are quite a few people who don’t actually like hot chocolate.
What could I make that scratched that hot cocoa itch (rich, creamy, and oh so cozy), but without any cocoa?
That’s when I remembered the caramelized sugar recipe I have to make my caramel hot cocoa mix (recipe coming very soon!). It’s already totally dry, has incredible flavor, and melts wonderfully into hot drinks.
I started testing it out and fell in love right away. It’s still so rich and creamy (especially if you use milk) and that caramel flavor is spot on. I just had to share it with you, and know your friends and family will love it, too!
Want to share this as a holiday gift? Grab my free printable gift tags below.
Ingredients
Caramelized sugar – I call it “caramel sugar” on the blog and it’s basically a dry caramel. You add sugar to a saucepan, let the sugar melt and turn golden brown, then pour it onto a lined sheet pan to dry. Blend it into a powder and there you go!
Dry milk powder – This will rehydrate when you add water or milk and make the drink nice and creamy.
Kosher salt – To bring out flavor.
Cornstarch (optional) – To help thicken the caramel milk and make it creamier.
How to Make Caramel Milk Mix
Once you have the caramel sugar, this recipe takes just moments to prepare.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk (or put everything in a mason jar, seal, and shake vigorously).
Step 2: Transfer into a pint mason jar and seal. If gifting, attach a label with twine or ribbon or store it in your pantry to use anytime.
To serve: Add 3-4 tablespoons of the dry mix in a mug with 6-8 ounces of hot water or warm milk. Stir or froth thoroughly and enjoy!
Get the free printable gift tags
If you want to share this recipe as a holiday gift, click below to get the printable tags with serving instructions. No email required!
Storing Suggestions
The caramel sugar isn’t nearly as stable as regular white sugar, and is prone to absorbing moisture. You absolutely need to store this mixture in an airtight container. Otherwise, it will absorb moisture from the air and become sticky and clumpy.
I find that the caramel sugar lasts quite a while when properly stored and this mixture is shelf-stable. For the best, freshest flavor, try consuming within the first 3-6 months.
Tips & Variations
- For the creamiest flavor: Use warm milk instead of water. So much more decadent!
- Add an extra pinch of salt: For a salted caramel milk.
- Add some spices: This mixture would taste wonderful with just a little cinnamon (about 1 tsp per batch) or a small amount of nutmeg.
How to Serve Homemade Caramel Milk
This recipe can be served any time you would normally serve hot cocoa, like a holiday brunch, after a day out in the snow, or alongside a bunch of Christmas cookies.
Since it already has milk powder and sugar, you could also use it as a powdered sweetener/creamer for coffee. I love the flavors together!
I especially like serving it with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to take it over the top!
More Homemade Holiday Gifts
In addition to my Hot Chocolate in a Jar recipes, you may also want to jar up some of this Christmas Coffee blend. The spiced coffee is a great option for caffeine lovers who are trying to cut back on sugar.
Or, you may want to make a batch of homemade gingerbread creamer, perfect for tucking into gift baskets or serving at a holiday brunch!
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment or ask a question below! I’d love to hear what you think or troubleshoot any issues.
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Homemade Hot Caramel Milk in a Jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sugar
- 1 cup powdered dry milk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbs cornstarch, optional
Instructions
To make the dry mix
- Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk (or put everything in a quart jar, seal, and shake vigorously).
- Attach a label with twine or ribbon for easy gifting.
To serve
- Add 3-4 tbs of the dry mix in a mug with 6-8 ounces of hot water or warm milk. Stir or froth thoroughly and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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