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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

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5-Minute Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (Ultra Creamy!)

By Erika in Beverages

dairy-free option gluten-free refined sugar-freeThis post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot chocolate—except maybe one with a fun twist that kids go wild for. Meet peanut butter hot chocolate, your new favorite drink!

Because peanut butter is so popular with kids (my children would happily eat peanut butter every day if I let them), I knew it would be the perfect addition to hot cocoa.

This rich and creamy drink tastes just like a liquid peanut butter cup, which just happens to be my all-time favorite dessert.

Besides, who can say “no” to chocolate and peanut butter? You might find yourself enjoying this peanut butter hot cocoa recipe just as much as the kids! (I won’t tell if you don’t!)

peanut butter hot cocoa for kids pin this idea now...

This recipe only takes about 5 minutes to make (10 minutes total if you opt for homemade whipped cream), and it’s made without refined sugars…much better for your kids than the processed cocoa packets!

Whether you’re looking for a delicious treat on a chilly day or a fun addition to your family movie night, this recipe will be a total hit!

PB Hot Chocolate Ingredients

  • Milk
  • Baking cocoa, unsweetened
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peanut butter or almond butter (use sunbutter if you can’t do nuts)

Ingredients for Homemade Whipped Cream

While this peanut butter hot chocolate is amazing on its own, you can take it to the next level with whipped cream! You can use store-bought, or you can make it right at home.

If you’ve never tried making it before, you will be hooked. It is SO easy and SO yummy!

  • Heavy whipping cream – I usually use Horizon organic heavy whipping cream
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract
  • peanut butter to drizzle on top
peanut butter hot chocolate in a blue mug topped with whipped cream

How to Make Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Making this hot chocolate is super simple. To start, we’ll heat the milk. Pour the milk into a small pot and keep it on medium heat or slightly lower—trust me, you do NOT want to burn your milk by making it too hot!

As the milk is warming, go ahead and add the peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk well and continue to heat.

Tip: If you find that the cocoa powder is clumping and not whisking in properly, use an immersion blender to mix it up.

How to Make Whipped Cream

Once everything is mixed and smooth, it’s time to make your whipped cream. Remember, this is optional (but highly recommended!). I usually leave my hot chocolate on low as I do this or make the whipped cream before I make the hot chocolate – just don’t let it burn!

To make the whipped cream, you’ll need a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment.

Pour in the heaving whipping cream and beat it on high for about 5 minutes. As the cream begins to thicken, slowly pour in the honey and vanilla extract. Whisk until preferred consistency.

Spoon the whipped cream over your hot cocoa.

Then, make it extra good with a peanut butter drizzle. All you need to do is microwave a tablespoon or so of peanut butter for about 15-20 seconds, give it a quick stir, and drizzle it on!

child holding a mug full of whipped cream topped peanut butter hot chocolate

Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on this already-delicious recipe? Here are a few ways to switch it up:

  • Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nutty, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
  • Spiked for Adults: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur or Baileys for a cozy, grown-up treat.
  • Cool It Down: Blend peanut butter hot chocolate with ice to create a refreshing PB hot chocolate frappé.
  • Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the top of your whipped cream.
  • Salted Peanut Butter Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt and a swirl of caramel sauce for a salted caramel twist.
  • Vegan-Friendly Version: Use dairy-free milk (like almond or coconut) and maple syrup for a plant-based option.

Get creative and customize your recipe to suit your family’s taste!

PB drizzled cocoa recipe

FAQ

Help! My cocoa powder keeps clumping. How do I fix it?

If the cocoa is clumping and not dissolving well, you can blend the hot cocoa in a blender or immersion blender.

What if my hot chocolate too thick?

Simply add a splash of milk to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure you whisk it in well!

layout of printable recipe binder pages

Can I make this ahead of time?

This is one of those rare recipes on my site that I’d recommend you try to make fresh every time. While you can make it ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat, it tastes best right off the stove!

If you need a make-ahead option, I highly recommend making this homemade hot cocoa mix. It’s super easy and convenient!

peanut butter hot cocoa for kids pin

More Hot Drinks to Make

  • Homemade Vegan Eggnog
  • Easy Matcha Green Tea Latte
  • Healthy Mocha Latte
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate
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Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa for Kids

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Kids love this Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa recipe and you’ll love it too because it’s quick & easy to make. Plus with no refined sugar, you can feel great about serving this tasty treat to your family!

  • Author: Erika Bragdon
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups milk (I prefer whole milk but choose your favorite)
  • 2 Tbsp baking cocoa, unsweetened
  • 2–4 Tbsp honey (depending on how sweet you prefer)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (use sunbutter if you can’t do nuts)

Homemade Whipped Cream (optional):

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2–3 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • additional peanut butter melted, optional

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the cocoa, honey, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Whisk well as you continue to heat until desired temperature. Do not boil.
  3. For the homemade whipped cream (optional but so good & recommended!), use a hand held mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment and beat the whipping cream on high for about 5 minutes. As the cream begins to thicken, slowly pour in the honey and vanilla extract. Whisk until preferred consistency. Spoon the whipped cream over your hot cocoa.
  4. Optional: melt and drizzle a little peanut butter over the whipped cream.

Notes

If the cocoa is clumping and not dissolving well, you can blend the hot cocoa in a blender.

 

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    Filed Under: Beverages, Food for Kids, Recipes Tagged With: dairy-free option, gluten-free, refined sugar-freePublished on December 31, 2024

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

    Comments

    1. susan says

      November 9, 2016 at 10:20 am

      This looks amazing! I would love to make a peanut butter hot cocoa, the weather is getting chilly and it is a great time to have this.

      Reply
    2. Sarah says

      November 12, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      I’ve never heard of Horizon Organic, but now I want to try it! Thank you and I will be trying this peanut butter hot cocoa for my kids!

      Reply
    3. Crystal says

      November 13, 2016 at 12:05 am

      It’s the perfect time of year for a cup of hot cocoa, but I can see myself falling in love with their peanut butter version and wanting it all year long. I’ve never made it from scratch before, but it sounds so simple. Plus, the homemade whipped cream is a great way to top it off.

      Reply
    4. Lisa @ A Bride On A Budget says

      November 30, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      This is a really great combination. I love peanut butter and chocolate candies (I actually make them at home because I love them so much), but I never thought to combine those flavors into a hot chocolate — something else I really love. Your idea is brilliant! It’s still in the 70’s here, so a bit too warm for hot chocolate still, but I’ll be trying your recipe just as soon as the temperature drops.

      Reply

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