
Dive into this super creamy peanut butter hot chocolate and make any evening feel extra special. Just toss together a few simple kitchen staples, stir, and you’ll wind up with a dreamy nutty hot chocolate that's smoother and richer than your ordinary cocoa.
This mix was a random discovery on a cold night, but wow—it instantly became a go-to for chilly evenings. It's a hit for every family movie night at my place now.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: Gives your drink that thick, nutty kick. Go for the smooth kind so it blends right in. Skip the natural types if you hate clumps.
- Whipped cream and peanut butter sauce: Don’t have to use ‘em, but they turn a regular mug into a treat. Homemade whipped cream steals the show if you’re feeling extra.
- Milk: Makes this drink rich. Whole milk is classic, but whatever’s in your fridge will work as long as it’s cold and fresh.
- Water: Needed to wake up the cocoa, really pulling out those flavors.
- Cocoa powder: Brings all the chocolate vibes. Dutch process keeps things smooth and not so tangy, but whatever type you have is fine.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up to smooth out cocoa’s bitterness. Fine sugar will melt fastest.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Pour and Finish:
- When it’s hot (not bubbling!) pour the drink into a cozy mug, about eight ounces. Up for toppings? Add a swirl of whipped cream and a quick zigzag of warm peanut butter sauce for an at-home café vibe.
- Milk and Peanut Butter Time:
- Next goes the splash of milk and a hearty spoon of peanut butter. Keep stirring as it heats, just until everything’s melted together and steamy. The smell? Unreal.
- Start With Dry Ingredients:
- Dump sugar, cocoa, and water into a little saucepan. Put it on medium heat and stir like you mean it until you’ve got a thick, shiny base, with no dry cocoa hiding out. This step means your drink stays lump-free.

Helpful Info
- Easy to switch up—use your favorite milk or pile on the toppings
- Perfect for solo days since it makes just one mug
- Always feel a step up from classic cocoa when you crave something cozy
The best part? Watching the peanut butter melt through the chocolatey base. First time my kid made this herself she was so proud of that swirl she made everyone in the house try it.
Keeping It Fresh
It’s best hot off the stove, but you can stash leftovers in the fridge for a day. Warm again slowly on the stove, whisking till smooth. Too thick? Pour in another splash of milk as you heat it up.
Possible Swaps
Need it dairy free? Use your favorite plant milk—oat milk is awesome and gives it creaminess. Allergic to peanuts? Sunflower seed butter is your friend, but pick creamy kinds so everything stays smooth.
Fun Ways to Serve
Level it up with mini marshmallows, roasted peanut crumbles, or dust on some cinnamon. Feeling bold? Add a pinch of cayenne or extra cinnamon for sweet heat.

Common Recipe Questions
- → Is it cool to use natural peanut butter in this?
Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the best result. The natural kind might separate or have a rough texture, so it’s probably not your best bet here.
- → How do I make this without dairy?
Swap in whatever plant milk you love, like oat, soy, or almond. Pick toppings that are dairy-free too if you’re doing that.
- → What’s the microwave method for this drink?
Mix up the sugar, cocoa powder, and water in your mug and zap it for a bit. Stir in your peanut butter next, add milk, heat again till hot, stir once more, and you’re good to go.
- → Which cocoa powder should I grab?
Go for either Dutch-process or plain unsweetened cocoa—both stir in great and taste super chocolatey.
- → Can I load this up with toppings?
Totally! Whipped cream and some drizzled peanut butter sauce are awesome on top, but honestly, it’s tasty plain, too.