Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate has been a comforting drink for centuries, loved for its warmth, creamy texture, and ability to turn any winter day into something special. But what if you added a nutty, velvety twist? Enter peanut butter hot chocolate—a treat that’s as indulgent as it sounds. Rich cocoa meets creamy peanut butter for a flavor combo that’s pure perfection.

There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter with chocolate. The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter complements the rich, decadent taste of chocolate in a way that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s in a candy bar, a cookie, or now, in a cozy mug of hot chocolate, this duo never fails to deliver a deliciously satisfying experience. It’s my husband’s favorite chocolate combination.

I’ll walk you through the really simple recipe below, share fun topping ideas if you want to make to make it festive, and even share a little bit of the history of hot chocolate—because, believe it or not, this beloved drink has been around for thousands of years!

Scroll through for some extra suggestions and variations for making peanut butter hot chocolate below. Or hit the “jump to recipe” button if you’re ready to get started.

The Origins of Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate’s story begins over 3,000 years ago in Mesoamerica. The ancient Maya were the first to consume cacao, preparing a drink made from ground cacao beans, water, and spices like chili and vanilla. This early version of “chocolate” was far from the sweet treat we know today—it was bitter, frothy, and enjoyed as a sacred beverage.

By the 16th century, the Spanish brought cacao back to Europe, where sugar and milk were added, transforming it into a rich, creamy delight. Over the centuries, hot chocolate evolved across cultures, eventually becoming the cozy, indulgent drink we sip on cold or snowy days.

Simple Pleasures, Easy Recipe

The beauty of peanut butter hot chocolate lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. And it also depends on if you want your peanut butter hot chocolate to be a light treat or a decadent dessert. We have ingredients listed below for you to truly make it your own. All you need is cocoa, creamy peanut butter, milk, and your choice of toppings – think whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for some extra crunch. Here’s a list of what we use to make our peanut butter hot chocolate:

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Base Ingredients

Peanut Butter is a constant staple at our house, and even when we’re traveling. I usally have a few individual packets of peanut butter in my carry-on bag for a healthy on-the-go snack that I’ll typically pair up with an apple or crackers.

I got into PB2 (a peanut butter powder) since it’s a bit more airline security friendly than a “gel-like” nut butter. After mixing it up one day with a bit of water, that got me thinking, “I wonder if I can mix this in with cocoa for hot chocolate?” The answer is, yes!  It makes a delicious peanut butter hot chocolate! The peanut butter hot chocolate recipe below is easy to make and can be adjusted for dairy-free options like almond or coconut milk.

• Sugar
• Peanut Butter Powder
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Milk 

RECIPE OPTIONS

You can swap the sugar and cocoa powder for your favorite hot chocolate mix. This is a great way to make it sugar free if you can to use a sugar free hot cocoa mix, and fresh-ground peanut butter.

Make it dairy free by using a creamy plant based milk such as oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. 

TOPPINGS

Here’s where you can get creative. Of course, peanut butter hot chocolate is great on its own. But these toppings take it to the next level. Make up a big batch of peanut butter hot chocolate and set up the toppings like a hot cocoa bar so your family or guests can add their favorite garnishes.

• whipped cream
• chocolate shavings
• crushed peanuts
• chocolate peanut butter candies
• mini chocolate chips
• drizzle of fresh ground peanut butter

How to Make Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Start by gathering together the ingredients you’ll need: cocoa powder, peanut butter powder, sugar, and your choice of milk.

Warm The Milk

Heat up your milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Be sure not to let it boil – you want it to be hot, but not scalding.

Add The Dry Ingredients

Add the coco powder, peanut butter and sugar to the sauce pan with warm milk and whisk together.

Mix it up

Keep stirring until everything is dissolved and the drink is smooth and creamy.

Taste And Adjust

Want it sweeter? Add a teaspoon of sugar. Prefer more peanut butter flavor? Stir in another tablespoon of powdered peanut butter.

Pour And Garnish

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and let your imagination run wild with toppings! A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of fresh peanut butter, or a sprinkling of mini peanut butter cups takes it over the top.

The rich, slightly bitter flavor of cocoa is balanced by the nutty, salty notes in peanut butter. Add a creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, and you’ve got a drink that feels luxurious with every sip.

Whether you prefer a mountain of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup, make it your own!

This is not a sponsored post. One of the girls in my running group introduced me to PB2 and I love it!