Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate From Scratch

Name: Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 3 cups milk; 2 Tbsp natural peanut butter ((unsweetened)); 1/4 cup raw honey; 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Every sip of this peanut butter hot chocolate will make you feel as though you’re enjoying a Reese’s peanut butter cup, only better! It’s made with wholesome ingredients like cocoa powder, honey, and natural peanut butter. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again! This recipe post includes a video tutorial so you can make it alongside me, step-by-step!

freshly made peanut butter hot chocolate in a mug

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This peanut butter hot chocolate has quickly become a favorite in our home. One of my husband’s favorite flavor pairings is chocolate and peanut butter. Which was the inspiration behind this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Rich and Creamy: It’s a delicious, rich, and creamy drink that’ll have you going back for seconds.
Tastes like a Reese’s: When you take your first sip, your brain will immediately think it’s having a Reese’s peanut butter cup!
Perfect Winter Treat: When it’s chilly outside, this peanut butter hot cocoa will be the perfect treat.
Special Drink at Home: If you’re craving a special drink but you don’t want to spend money or run to the coffee shop, whip this up at home. It’ll hit the spot.

labeled ingredients for peanut butter hot chocolate

Ingredients You’ll Need

milk: I use either organic dairy milk or regular local dairy milk, but you can use dairy-free if you have an allergy or sensitivity.
natural peanut butter (unsweetened): The natural unsweetened peanut butter usually just has peanuts and sometimes salt. That’s it. It has the best peanut flavor and keeps this recipe wholesome.
raw honey: Honey is the best natural sweetener, but you could also use pure maple syrup. If you don’t have either, I recommend cane sugar.
unsweetened cocoa powder: The unsweetened cocoa powder adds the perfect chocolate flavor without making this drink too sweet.
pure vanilla extract: Pure extract not only tastes better but doesn’t contain added colorings.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Variations

Extra Creamy: For extra creamy hot chocolate, swap half of the milk for half and half or heavy cream. It’ll make it SO creamy!
More Peanut Butter: For more of a peanut butter taste, add in another tablespoon. It’ll make it really peanut buttery.
Dark Chocolate: For a darker hot chocolate, add in another tablespoon of the cocoa powder. It’ll be a dark chocolate hot chocolate.
Swap the Honey: If you don’t have honey on hand, you can also use cane sugar.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

medium saucepan
whisk
mugs (glass ones like this are my favorite!)

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter

peanut butter being added to milk for peanut butter hot chocolate

Add milk, peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to a medium-sized saucepan.

whisking cocoa powder into milk for peanut butter hot chocolate

Warm over medium-high heat, whisking continuously for 5 minutes. This will combine everything and keep the milk from scorching.

Once everything is combined and the hot chocolate reaches your desired temperature, take off the heat.

Place a fine mesh strainer over your mugs before pouring to remove any tiny pieces from the natural peanut butter.

Distribute the hot chocolate evenly between 2 mugs. Serve as is or add homemade whipped cream. Enjoy!

Video Tutorial

Toppings for Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate is perfect by itself, but for a little extra special treat, I recommend topping it with homemade whipped cream. You can then add a peanut butter and/or chocolate drizzle over the top.

FAQs

Can you put peanut butter in hot chocolate without it being lumpy and thick?

Yes! It’s all about the ratio of peanut butter to hot chocolate. That’s why I’ve developed the perfect one so it’s smooth with the best texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Of course! You can double it as many times as you want.

Do I have to use natural peanut butter or can I use regular like Peter Pan or Jiffy?

If desired, you can use regular peanut butter like Jiffy or Peter Pan for this recipe. I recommend using natural peanut butter to keep it wholesome, but you’re more than welcome to make that swap. If the peanut butter you’re using has sugar in it, add the honey to taste so it’s not overly sweet.

Can I make this in the microwave?

I don’t recommend making it in the microwave. You’ll want to use a pan over the stovetop so you can ensure the ingredients are fully combined and the milk doesn’t scorch.

Can’t I just add peanut butter to hot chocolate mix?

You could, but it won’t taste anything like this recipe. I highly recommend making it from scratch with the ingredients below. You’ll thank yourself when you take a drink!

More Cold-Weather Drink Recipes From Scratch

Did you make this recipe?

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Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe