By Laura
Posted Nov 25, 2018, Updated Nov 29, 2023
5 from 12 votes
18 Comments
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This peanut butter hot chocolate recipe is rich & chocolate with tons of peanut butter! Homemade peanut butter hot cocoa is easy to make with 6 ingredients in 10 minutes and tastes like you’re drinking a warm, liquid peanut butter cup!
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (2) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (2)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-3.jpg)
What’s better than a warm mug full of rich, creamy homemade hot chocolate topped with homemade whipped cream?
Answer: A warm mug full of rich, creamy homemadepeanut butterhot chocolate.
Because I mean really, whywouldn’t you want to cozy up with a sweet treat that tastes just like a warm, liquid peanut butter cup?!This peanut butter hot chocolate recipe is seriously delicious, and is made with 6 ingredients in less than 10 minutes
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (3) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (3)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-recipe-31.jpg)
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Ingredients
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (4) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (4)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-recipe-ingredients-labeled.jpg)
- Whole Milk. 2% milk, heavy cream, half and half or a combination of these can be used instead of solely using whole milk. For an extra-creamy version use 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream. Coconut milk is the best choice for a dairy-free hot cocoa.
- Semisweet Chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate, dark, milk, even white. You can also use dairy-free chocolate. Or, use unsweetened chocolate and increase the sugar to suit your tastes.
- Peanut Butter.I recommend using your favorite creamy peanut butter.
- Sugar.use white sugar or organic cane sugar. To make a refined-sugar free version you can use coconut sugar or even honey.
- Sea Salt.I only recommend adding a touch of sea salt if the peanut butter you use does not contain any salt.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (5) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (5)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-4.jpg)
How to MakePeanut Butter Hot Chocolate
We’ll walk through this recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Cook over Medium-low heat
Cooking this peanut butter hot chocolate recipe in a saucepan over low heat is the best way to ensure that the chocolate melts evenly and the ingredients do not burn.
Begin by adding the milk chocolate, peanut butter and sugar to a small saucepan.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (6) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (6)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/how-to-make-peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-1.jpg)
Then, cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
It’s important to whisk this peanut butter hot chocolate recipe consistently to avoid lumps, and to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Then, add the cocoa powder, vanilla and salt (if desired) and whisk until completely combined and warm.
Next, cover and remove from heat and let cocoa sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving if you would like a thick hot cocoa, or serve immediately.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (7) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (7)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/how-to-make-peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-2.jpg)
Serve
Then, pour the peanut butter hot chocolate into 2-4 mugs (depending on the amount you’d like to enjoy) and serve.
I recommend serving it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of extra peanut butter.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (8) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (8)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-recipe-30-1200x750.jpg)
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (9) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (9)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-12.jpg)
Optional Toppings
If desired, you can serve the peanut butter hot chocolate with some delicious toppings. Here are some suggestions:
- Homemade Whipped Cream(obviously)
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Peanut butter cups (chopped)
- Marshmallows (any variety,homemade marshmallowsare delicious).
- Shaved chocolate
- Dusting of cocoa powder
- Holiday sprinkles
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (10) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (10)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-6.jpg)
Store
If you have leftovers, store them in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Please note: due to the melted chocolate in this recipe, it will very likely become solid in the refrigerator. All you need to do is re-warm it over low heat on the stovetop to return it to a drinkable consistency.
You can also thin it out with a little extra milk if necessary.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (11) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (11)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-14.jpg)
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
Does peanut butter melt in milk?
Yes, as the milk and peanut butter mixture warms, the peanut butter will melt.
How can I make this without refined sugar?
To make this Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa with no refined sugar there are two simple substitutions you need to make:
1. Use unsweetened chocolate in place of the bittersweet or semisweet chocolate.
2. Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar.
Also, be mindful of the peanut butter you choose! Make sure to choose a variety that does not have any added sugars.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double (or triple) to feed a crowd.
![Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (12) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (12)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-10.jpg)
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Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Laura
This peanut butter hot chocolate recipe is rich & chocolate with tons of peanut butter! Homemade peanut butter hot cocoa is easy to make with 6 ingredients in 10 minutes and tastes like you're drinking a warm, liquid peanut butter cup!
5 from 12 votes
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 323
Prep Time5 minutes minutes
Cook Time5 minutes minutes
Total Time10 minutes minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 oz semisweet chocolate
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
Add milk chocolate, peanut butter and sugar to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Whisk constantly until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt (if desired) and whisk until completely combined and warm.
Cover and remove from heat and let cocoa sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving if you would like a very thick hot cocoa, or serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Whole Milk. 2% milk, heavy cream, half and half or a combination of these can be used instead of solely using whole milk. For an extra-creamy version use 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream. Coconut milk is the best choice for a dairy-free hot cocoa.
- Semisweet Chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate, dark, milk, even white. You can also use dairy-free chocolate. Or, use unsweetened chocolate and increase the sugar to suit your tastes.
- Peanut Butter.I recommend using your favorite creamy peanut butter.
- Sugar.use white sugar or organic cane sugar. To make a refined-sugar free version you can use coconut sugar or even honey.
- Sea Salt.I only recommend adding a touch of sea salt if the peanut butter you use does not contain any salt.
Store
Store leftovers in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Please note: due to the melted chocolate in this recipe, it will very likely become solid in the refrigerator. All you need to do is re-warm it over low heat on the stovetop to return it to a drinkable consistency.
You can also thin it out with extra milk if necessary.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 31.5g | Protein: 5.7g | Fat: 21.2g | Saturated Fat: 9.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.3g | Sodium: 13.3mg | Potassium: 109.7mg | Fiber: 3.3g | Sugar: 26.4g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!