Hot Chocolate with Caramel and Cinnamon
Pierre Hermé’s hot chocolate recipe calls for milk sweetened with cinnamon-infused caramel. A mug of spiced hot chocolate in the dead of winter sounds tough to resist, doesn’t it? I usually skip drinks unless there’s caffeine or booze involved, but this definitely counts as an exception.
Which is not to say that this hot chocolate drink can’t be spiked with alcohol. Monsieur Pierre recommends a splash of rum or orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier, so I think I’ll pass on the eggnog and go for something like this instead.
recipe adapted from Pierre Herme’s Chocolate Desserts
Pierre Herme’s Caramel Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
makes 2 servings
Milk sweetened with cinnamon-infused caramel – reminds me of dulce de leche
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups whole milk (540 ml)
1/4 cup water (60 ml)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
1 cinnamon stick
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted (113 grams)
Notes:
- Pierre Hermé has a thing for Valrhona and this hot chocolate recipe is no exception. He suggests using Valrhona Noir Gastronomie (61% cacao).
Instructions:
- Heat the milk and water just to a boil in a saucepan. Turn off the heat.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar with the cinnamon over medium heat. Leave the sugar undisturbed until it begins to caramelize and take on color around the edges. Gently swirl the syrup around the pan at this point until the sugar is completely melted. Continue heating the caramel until dark amber.
- Watch out for sputtering hot syrup and steam in the following step. Pour the milk over the caramel and cinnamon (the milk might foam up as it boils). Stir until the caramel is completely dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the melted chocolate. Discard the cinnamon stick.
- Using an immersion or regular blender, whip the hot chocolate for about 1 minute.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Caramel cinnamon hot chocolate can be made up to 2 days ahead.
Maligayang Pasko!
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December 25th, 2008 at 12:04 am
I am loving the dulce de leche-themed recipes lately! This sounds like the perfect drink for a chilly Christmas night.
December 25th, 2008 at 1:35 am
This sounds delicious and reminds me of Mexican Hot Chocolate. I love that the cinnamon sticks serve dual purpose as it imparts flavor and as a stirring stick! Here’s wishing you a Maligayang Pasko Jude from our family to yours
December 25th, 2008 at 2:43 am
Mmmm, this would go perfect with snow (wish we had any)…
Made your dulce de leche ice cream yesterday…. it was great. That is tonights dessert together with some banana gelato. Happy holidays!!!
December 25th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Hmm, two cups, huh?
Maligayang Pasko indeed! 
December 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am
super duper yummylicious! It’s so windy over here now… give me Chocolat Chaude anytime!
“Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année 2009″
December 25th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
This sounds delicious! What a yummy treat to enjoy on a cool winter morning. Thanks for sharing!
December 25th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Oooh this sounds so good! A perfect dessert in a cup!
December 25th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Your post called memories of my childhood Noche Buenas in the Philippines…my grandma used to make hot chocolate with peanut butter whipped in. I tried finding the wooden “batidor” she used then but I couldn’t find any even when I checked a dozen wet markets in our city. I guess electric beater na! Maligayang Pasko Jude!
December 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
This looks rich and delicious!
Merry Christmas, Jude! And the Happiest Holidays!
December 25th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Hi! I love your website. I couldn’t have too much of your featured recipes because I’m diabetic, but I like your ideas anyway. I’m having a bit of an adventure of my own trying to make a lot of recipes diabetes friendly.
Anyway, I’d like you to know that I put you on my blogroll
Maria
December 26th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Who can resist hot chocolate?
Best wishes for a festive season and a Happy New Year.
December 26th, 2008 at 12:41 am
I love the idea of the cinnamon stick in the hot chocolate which looks so thick and rich! Season’s greetings and a delicious new year! =)
December 26th, 2008 at 12:48 am
this looks interesting ! sound yummy too:) i love cinnamon
Ha i just posted about cupcakes with dulche de leche, cinnamon and chocolate this goes well with them 
December 26th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Sounds like a great combo! Hot chocolate is one of my favorite winter treats!
December 27th, 2008 at 3:34 am
That looks really yummy! And cinnamon sticks as stirrers – how Martha Stewart of you. Hope you had a Maligayang Pasko.
December 27th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
“I usually skip drinks unless there’s caffeine or booze involved…”
so true, so true.
great beverage, and happy holidays!
December 27th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Oh, that sounds absolutely wonderful
December 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I’m making this tomorrow for breakfast. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Enjoy the rest of the holidays.:)
December 28th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I’ve been thinking about making this for the past few days, but finally got around to it just now. Wow! Incredibly rich and a perfect cup of real hot chocolate. Just what I’ve been wanting! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
December 28th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Perfect Winter Drink.Irresistible
December 28th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Oh my yes. I take bourbon in my hot chocolate. I like making it with cocoa powder, but am looking forward to trying this method. Hip hoorah for winter.
December 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I’ve been on a marshmallow making kick and this looks like just the thing to drop them into. Thanks!
January 1st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I’ll definitely try this recipe! My favorite flavors!
January 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I usually like hot chocolate to be unsweetened but this sounds awfully good. It had never occurred to me before but like the idea of adding rum too….
March 30th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
[...] Hot Chocolate with Caramel and Cinnamon. Speaking of hot chocolate, this recipe looks awesome. I might make some of this later today and maybe add some liquor because it’s the holidays, Dude. Maybe some Brandy or the suggested rum? (@ Apple Pie, Patis & Pâté) [...]
January 13th, 2010 at 11:02 am
[...] Hot Chocolate with Caramel and Cinnamon from Apple Pie, Patis, and Paté [...]
March 7th, 2010 at 3:31 am
sooo fake
April 14th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
In a word, “YUM”!!
November 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 pm
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November 29th, 2012 at 6:47 am
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December 20th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
[...] Hot Chocolate with Caramel and Cinnamon [...]