Drinks

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Name: Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Whipped cream (optional); Chocolate shavings (optional)

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This Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate feels like a warm hug in a mug. It mixes rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter for a nutty, chocolatey drink that smells like dessert and tastes like comfort. It’s quick to make, smooth on the tongue, and topped with billowy whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra decadence. If you like chocolate and peanut butter together, this will become a fast favorite — and you can even use the flavor in desserts like a chocolate-peanut-butter cream pie.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 mugs
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 26 g
Sodium: 250 mg

Why Make This Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

This drink blends two beloved flavors into one comforting cup. The peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty depth that rounds the bitter edge of cocoa. It heats quickly and fills your kitchen with a warm, chocolate-peanut aroma. It’s perfect for cold nights, as a special treat, or when you want a quick homemade dessert drink. The texture is silky and slightly thick from the peanut butter, with a sweet finish that lingers.

How to Make Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

You’ll whisk, heat gently, and finish with a creamy topping. The whole process takes about ten minutes. Use a smooth peanut butter for a silky drink, or use crunchy for texture. Adjust sugar to taste.

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Measure all ingredients. If your peanut butter is very stiff, scoop it into a small bowl and let it sit at room temperature for a minute to soften. Have mugs ready and chop or shave chocolate if using.

Step 2: Mixing

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together so the cocoa and peanut butter start to break up and blend into the milk.

Step 3: Cooking

Whisk continuously as the mixture warms. Keep heat at medium or medium-low. Heat until the drink is hot and steaming but not boiling, and until the cocoa and peanut butter are fully smooth and incorporated. This takes about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, nutty aroma and silky texture.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Serve in warm mugs to keep the drink hot longer. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or crushed peanuts for crunch. For a cozy night, pair it with toasted brioche, cookies, or a slice of banana bread. For a party, make a hot chocolate bar with extra toppings: marshmallows, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon.

How to Store Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate (without whipped cream) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to recombine the peanut butter. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst to avoid hotspots.
Freezing: You can freeze the base in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly. Note: texture may change slightly after freezing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter works but stir well—oil may separate.
Warm the milk gently. High heat can scorch milk and change the flavor. Heat until steaming, not boiling.
Whisk vigorously to fully dissolve cocoa powder and break up peanut butter lumps. A small whisk works best.
Adjust sweetness: reduce or increase sugar, or swap sugar for honey or maple syrup (add a little less if using syrup).
For richer flavor, use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk and swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter.
Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance sweetness and bring out the peanut flavor.

Delicious Variations

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter: Use 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa + 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips melted into the milk for deeper chocolate notes.
Spicy Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon for a Mexican-style kick.
Iced Peanut Butter Chocolate: Cool the finished drink, pour over ice, and top with cold foam for a summer treat.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.
Boozy Twist: Stir in 1 ounce of bourbon or rum per mug for an adult version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yes. Natural peanut butter works, but stir it well first because oil can separate. You may need to whisk a little longer to fully incorporate it into the milk.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use oat, almond, or soy milk. Oat milk tends to give the creamiest, richest texture that mimics dairy best.

Q: How do I make the hot chocolate thicker and creamier?
A: Use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also add 1–2 tablespoons of cream or a small spoonful of instant pudding mix for thickness. Heat gently and whisk until smooth.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a crowd?
A: Make the base on the stove and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low. Stir occasionally to keep the peanut butter from settling. Alternatively, make a concentrate and dilute with hot milk when serving.

Q: Will the peanut butter separate when stored?
A: It can. If you store the drink, it may separate slightly. Stir or whisk while reheating to bring it back together. Freezing may change texture more than refrigeration.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes, it’s safe for kids unless they have a peanut allergy. Skip the alcohol and keep toppings simple.

Q: How can I reduce sugar but keep sweetness?
A: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, or replace half the sugar with a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. Taste and adjust.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate is a quick, comforting treat that blends nutty peanut butter with rich cocoa for a smooth, warming cup. It’s easy to adapt—try dairy-free milks, dark chocolate, or a spicy twist. For another take on chocolate-and-peanut-butter flavors, check out this recipe for Easy Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate – Eat Love Eat. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy, delicious moment in every sip.