Creamy Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

As seen in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Get cozy with a thick, creamy cocoa that pops with peanut butter flavor. First, let sugar, cocoa, and water hang out and melt together on the stove. Pour in milk and a big scoop of peanut butter, stirring till everything's nice and smooth. Pour it into your go-to mug. If you wanna go wild, top it off with a swirl of whipped cream and a little peanut butter drizzle. It’s just the ticket when you’re in the mood for a snug, chocolatey treat on a cold night.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:16:07 GMT
A mug of hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipped cream. Save Pin
A mug of hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipped cream. | foodthingle.com

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.
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. Save Pin
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. | foodthingle.com

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.

A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. Save Pin
A cup of chocolate with whipped cream. | foodthingle.com

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.

Peanut Butter Cocoa

Sip a comforting chocolatey drink swirled with peanut butter. Whipped cream on top is totally up to you.

Preparation Time
2 Minutes
Cooking Time
5 Minutes
Overall Time
7 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 1 Number of Servings (1 cup (8 oz))

Special Diets: Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

01 1 heaping tablespoon (about 18 g) creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind)
02 1 cup (240 ml) milk, use whatever fat level you want
03 1 tablespoon water
04 1 tablespoon (7 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
05 2 tablespoons (25 g) white sugar

→ Optional Toppings

06 Peanut butter drizzle
07 Whipped cream on top

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pour your cozy drink into an 8-ounce (240 ml) cup. Add some whipped cream and a splash of peanut butter sauce if you want.

Step 02

Toss your milk and peanut butter into the pan. Give it a good stir. Let it warm up and keep stirring every now and then until everything's nice and steamy and the peanut butter melts in completely.

Step 03

Dump the sugar, cocoa, and water into a little pot. Put it on medium heat and stir non-stop so everything melts together, no gritty bits left.

Additional Tips

  1. If you want to use your microwave, put cocoa, sugar, and water in a cup and nuke for 15 seconds. Drop in the peanut butter, stir it up, then add your milk. Heat for about 1 to 1.5 minutes until it's hot, stirring as you go.
  2. To throw together some peanut butter sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter in a microwavable bowl. Microwave 10-20 seconds till it bubbles up, then stir till it's silky.

Essential Tools

  • Small pot
  • Heat-safe spatula or whisk
  • Spoons to measure
  • 8-ounce cup

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has peanuts
  • Has dairy

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 318
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein: ~