Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Featured in Sip in Style.

Enjoy a lush, creamy hot chocolate elevated by the bold flavor of peanut butter. This beverage starts with sugar, cocoa powder, and water gently dissolved together, forming a chocolatey base. Milk and a generous spoonful of creamy peanut butter melt in, creating a velvety drink with rich nutty undertones. Simply heat, whisk, and serve in your favorite mug. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream and drizzle with homemade peanut butter sauce. Cozy and satisfying, this chocolate drink is a perfect winter warmer for any time you crave something special.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:34:47 GMT
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. Pin it
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. | gracefulflavors.com

This rich peanut butter hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat that turns any night into something special With just a few pantry staples and a bit of stirring you get a velvety mugful with a nutty depth that regular cocoa can only dream about

I stumbled on this combo late one chilly night and instantly knew it would be a cold weather favorite It is always requested for movie marathons in my house

Ingredients

  • Granulated sugar: brings just the right sweetness to balance the cocoa bitterness Look for fine grains so it dissolves quickly
  • Cocoa powder: forms the chocolatey base Dutch process is nice if you want a smoother less tangy flavor
  • Water: helps bloom the cocoa to unlock its full flavor
  • Milk: makes it creamy and rich Whole milk is classic but any variety works Just aim for something fresh and cold
  • Creamy peanut butter: adds body and that signature nutty note Avoid natural peanut butter if you want it to blend smoothly into the drink
  • Whipped cream and peanut butter sauce: completely optional but turn the drink into a full-on dessert If using whipped cream a homemade batch really makes it special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Dry and Wet:
Add sugar cocoa powder and water to a small saucepan Set over medium heat and stir with a whisk or sturdy spoon until both the sugar and cocoa fully dissolve and you see a glossy thick base This crucial step makes sure no cocoa lumps sneak in
Blend in Milk and Peanut Butter:
Pour in the milk followed by a generous spoonful of peanut butter Stir slowly and keep heating over medium until the milk begins to steam and the peanut butter has fully disappeared into the liquid The mixture should appear completely blended and the aroma will be incredible
Pour and Top:
When the hot chocolate is piping hot but not boiling pour into your favorite eight-ounce mug If using top with swirls of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce for café vibes at home
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. Pin it
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. | gracefulflavors.com

You Must Know

  • High in comfort factor this drink always feels like an upgrade on classic hot chocolate
  • Easy to customize with milk alternatives or extra toppings
  • Makes a single mug which is perfect for self care evenings

My favorite part is the way peanut butter melts and swirls through the cocoa The first time I let my daughter make this on her own she was so proud of that melting swirl she wanted to serve it to everyone in the family

Storage tips

While fresh is best you can keep leftover hot chocolate covered in the refrigerator for twenty four hours Reheat gently on the stovetop whisking to restore smoothness If it thickens just add a splash more milk as you warm it

Ingredient substitutions

For a dairy free version swap in your go-to plant milk Oat milk brings wonderful creaminess and blends beautifully Sunflower seed butter stands in nicely for those with peanut allergies but avoid thick or chunky varieties to keep things silky

Serving suggestions

Turn this into a dessert moment by topping with mini marshmallows chopped roasted peanuts or a dusting of cinnamon For a grownup twist a touch of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne adds warmth and depth

A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. Pin it
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use natural peanut butter for this drink?

It's best to use creamy, non-natural peanut butter to ensure a smooth texture, as natural versions may separate or be gritty.

→ How can I make this drink dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk, and use dairy-free toppings if desired.

→ How do I prepare this drink in a microwave?

Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and water in a mug, microwave briefly, then stir in peanut butter. Add milk, heat again until steaming, stir, and enjoy.

→ What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder blend well and create a deep chocolate flavor.

→ Can I add toppings to this hot chocolate?

Yes, whipped cream and a homemade peanut butter sauce drizzle make delicious additions, but the drink is tasty on its own as well.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Indulge in a smooth chocolate drink blended with peanut butter, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Prep Time
2 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
7 Minutes
By: Barbara


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 cup (8 oz))

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon (7 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 tablespoon water
04 1 cup (240 ml) milk, any percentage
05 1 heaping tablespoon (approx. 18 g) creamy peanut butter, not natural

→ Optional Toppings

06 Whipped cream
07 Peanut butter sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved.

Step 02

Add milk and creamy peanut butter to the saucepan. Stir well. Continue heating, stirring occasionally, until the milk begins to steam and the peanut butter is fully incorporated.

Step 03

Pour the hot chocolate into an 8-ounce (240 ml) mug. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce if desired.

Notes

  1. For a microwave option, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and water in a mug and microwave for 15 seconds. Add peanut butter, stir, then mix in milk. Heat for 1 to 1.5 minutes until steaming, stirring to combine.
  2. To make peanut butter sauce, combine 2 tablespoons corn syrup with 1 tablespoon peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10 to 20 seconds until bubbling, then stir until smooth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Heat-resistant spatula or whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • 8-ounce mug

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 318
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~