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Once you’ve tasted this homemade healthy hot chocolate with peanut butter, you’ll never go back to store-bought mix! It’s incredibly rich, low on sugar, and flavorful, all whipped up with just five basic ingredients. Say hello to your new favorite cozy drink to share with kids.
Reasons to make Homemade hot Chocolate
- Highly customizable – feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or chocolate, or experiment with various types of chocolate.
- Low sugar – contains much less sugar compared to store-bought hot chocolate packets.
- Minimal, clean ingredients -You just need ingredients, most, if not all, may already be in your pantry. There are no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc.
- SO easy to make – just add all the ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk! Ready in under 5 minutes.
- Kid-favorite – my kids actually prefer this version over the store-bought mixes and it’s a fun way to let your child customize it by adding their favorite toppings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Milk – feel free to use your favorite milk! My kids drink whole milk, so it’s always on hand, resulting in the richest hot chocolate. But you can use reduced fat milk or any dairy-free milk of choice, like almond milk or soy milk. Here’s the ultimate guide to best milk for toddlers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – I prefer this over cacao powder as it can taste a bit bitter
- Maple syrup – start with the recommended amount and add more, if desired.
- Chocolate chips – you can use just cocoa powder but combining with chocolate chips creates a more complex and chocolate-y flavor while adding creaminess and richness.
- Creamy peanut butter – you can leave this out but if you desire a slightly nutty and creamier hot chocolate, give it a try! Be sure to use smooth not crunchy peanut butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add milk to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Add maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.
Step 2: Whisk continuously until combined and no lumps remain, about 2-3 minutes. Pour into your favorite mug and top with your favorite toppings to make it even more special, if desired.
Toppings
While delicious as is, you can elevate your hot chocolate experience with these toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Peanut butter drizzle and/or crushed peanuts
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Spices – cinnamon or nutmeg will create a cozy and comforting flavor profile
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is designed for a single serving, but feel free to double or triple the recipe.
If you have leftovers, first cool completely. Then transfer to a glass jar with a lid or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot chocolate gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Again, avoid boiling it.
Yes! Combine all the ingredients (minus the peanut butter) in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Continue until the hot chocolate is hot and the cocoa powder is completely dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil over. I always like to place a plate underneath the cup, just in case. Finally, stir in the peanut butter.
More Chocolate Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Healthy Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2-3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Add milk to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Add maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.
- Whisk continuously until combined and no lumps remain, about 2-3 minutes. Pour into your favorite mug and top with your favorite toppings to make it even more special, if desired.
Could you let this cool down and serve it as chilled chocolate milk?
I don’t see why not :).
Found out recently that I have to eliminate dairy and soy from my diet. So happy that you’ve provided an option here that allows me to make delicious hot chocolate at home using milk substitutions! Tried this recipe today with almond milk and it tasted delicious. Thanks for another great recipe!
So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Yummy!! We whisked some up this morning and the kids loved it!
Oh I’m so glad!! Hope ya’ll have the most wonderful day :).