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!)
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
More Hot Drinks to Make
PrintPeanut Butter Hot Cocoa for Kids
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!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- Warm the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add the cocoa, honey, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Whisk well as you continue to heat until desired temperature. Do not boil.
- 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.
- 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.
susan says
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.
Sarah says
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!
Crystal says
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.
Lisa @ A Bride On A Budget says
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.