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Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate with cocoa powder

A mug of peanut butter hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a chopped peanut butter cup.

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5 from 1 review

This rich and creamy Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate with cocoa powder tastes just like a decadent Reese's cup dessert! With only 5 ingredients and two steps, anyone can make this recipe in no time. It's a fun variation from traditional hot chocolate and a great way to impress your friends or surprise your kids! We also tested dairy-free option with almond milk that we love.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups milk of choice (dairy and plant-based milks both work great here)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons peanut butter, more or less to your preference

Instructions

  1. Add milk to a small saucepan on medium heat. Once the milk starts to steam, add cocoa powder, and sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  2. Add peanut butter and whisk until smooth. Serve hot with marshmallows or whipped cream if you like!

Notes

Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove at low heat until steaming or in the microwave. If using the microwave, warm at 30 second increments, stirring in between, until you reach the desired temperature.

See the blog post for step-by-step photos and tips for the best hot chocolate.

Peanut-Free - Sunflower seed butter is an excellent substitute for peanut butter! Swap it in the same quantity for a creamy drink that tastes like a sunflower seed butter cup.

Vegan and Dairy-Free - Swap in your favorite dairy-free and plant-based milk. For this recipe, almond milk is my favorite choice.

Gluten-Free - Make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free. Many peanut butters have a gluten-free label (I used Justin's brand). Hershey's 100% cocoa powder and special dark cocoa powder are both gluten-free.