It’s hot chocolate season!!
It’s chilly outside, the car windows are frosted over each morning, and it’s the perfect weather for a blanket, hoodie, fire place, and big steaming mug of hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate means two things to me:
- Winter…aka Christmas…aka snow…(love snow).
- Comfort. I mean, come on. Is there anything more comforting than cup of hot cocoa?
And the addition of peanut butter…ohhhhh my goodness…pure heaven.
Hey…HEY…if you are one of those people who has only ever made hot chocolate with the little powder packet…I’m talkin’ to you.
There is no reason to do that when you have this delicious, SUPER SIMPLE, recipe. And it tastes a billion times better. A billion times better. If you are going to indulge in a cup of hot chocolate, you might as well make it from scratch and spend two extra minutes.
As a bonus, this recipe uses cocoa powder, less sugar, and 2% milk to lighten things up a bit. But with the addition of a few special ingredients, you will never be able to tell the difference from your favorite rich, decadent version!
What are the special ingredients, you may ask?
- Peanut butter…duh. Recipe title. The peanut butter really does make a huge difference here. Not only does it add another layer of amaaaaaazing flavor, it also makes our cocoa a little richer and thicker…making it taste super, suuuper decadent and yummy.
- Coffee! I don’t know if you have heard of this trick before, but when you add just a touch of coffee to chocolate, it brings out the chocolate flavor and makes everything taste fuller and more developed. It really does make a difference, people…promise. It’s like adding salt to food – it just enhances the flavors of everything else a little more.
The other thing I love about this recipe? Single serving! If you are in the mood for a mug of hot chocolate, this is the perfectly portioned recipe for you to pop into your kitchen for 5 minutes and whip up a cup.
Since my husband has been deployed, single serving recipes have been super nice. Otherwise I have SO. MUCH. FOOD. in my fridge. Seth eats a lot, so the fridge was always relatively food free. Now the door is basically about to pop off because of all the extra food. I am still cooking about the same amount as I was when he was home because I have to for the blog, but no one is here to eat massive amounts of it each day.
Lots of cooking + no Seth = FOOD OVERLOAD.
So the “single serving” element of this recipe is awesome for me! But, if you have a big family or a bunch of friends over, it’s also super simple to double…or triple…or quadruple…you get the point ☕️.
I hope you are having a cozy winter so far! If you aren’t, whip up a batch of this goodness; it will cozy you right up ?.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon brewed coffee
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small pinch of salt
- In a small pot, add your cocoa powder, sugar, and water
- Heat over medium heat, whisking until the mixture is simmering and thoroughly combined
- Add your milk, peanut butter, salt, coffee, and vanilla
- Whisk until everything is completely combined (it might need to heat up a bit before the peanut butter totally mixes in)
- You may want to run a spoon or rubber spatula along the inner edge of the pan in case any of the cocoa/sugar mixture is stuck in there where your whisk can't reach
- Heat until hot and almost simmering, but don't let the milk simmer too hard or boil! It will scorch and mess up the flavor
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or marshmallows
In the mood for more comforting winter recipes? Check these out:
Mexican Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls
Bird!!!!! Oh. My. Gracious. This is amazing!! We made several glasses today while we were baking cookies!! It’s sooooo delicious! I even made the last cup with chunky peanut butter bc we were out of creamy. Hahaha haha haha gives a little something extra. Culinary genius!
Hey do you think I could have 5 mugs of this?! LOL!
Yum, I love a nice warm cup of hot chocolate when I’m chilly. I’ve never tried putting PB in my hot cocoa before… but now I’m curious!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness recently posted…Oatmeal Walnut Hemp Energy Balls + Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals Giveaway
Me too, Nicole! You should try it – so yummy!
Whyyyy have I never thought of putting peanut butter in hot chocolate!? Holy smokes, that sounds amazing! Definitely have to try this!!
It seems so obvious now right? I feel the same way! So yummy :).
Thank goodness this only makes one serving, otherwise I’d be drinking them all!!
Sues recently posted…Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Peppermint Pretzel Bites
Haha, I totally agree, Sue!
Oh girl, I think you made this recipe just for me. I LOVE chocolate and peanut butter. I’m so making this!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted…November Food Blog Income Report
Me too, Kristen! Such a good combo.
OMG! I just read the title to this post and i started salivating! This looks heavenly and perfect for the cold season that is approaching!
Thanks, Vicky and Ruth! Hot chocolate + winter = the perfect combination!
Great recipe, Annie! Hot chocolate is my favorite winter treat and for the past few years I’ve been doing a Nutella version. While I do love Nutella, I’ve been wanting to try something different so this is PERFECT! I absolutely love that you added coffee and peanut butter! I can’t wait to try this – pinned! :)
Keri @ Fashionable Foods recently posted…Risotto Cakes
Me too, Keri :). Ohhh a Nutella version! That sounds wonderful. Thanks for the pin!
I could drink hot chocolate just about every day, but especially in the winter, it’s just needed! This peanut butter version sounds delicious, Annie!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Holiday Giveaway from Gin Creek Kitchen!
I totally agree – it is so wonderful in the winter!
You can’t beat homemade hot chocolate – none of that out of the packet stuff. I love that you have added peanut butter too.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Italian Pesto Burgers by Dannii
Agreed 100%! Thanks, Dannii!
I can tell you I have never had peanut butter in my cocoa before which can only mean one thing – I have a lot of catching up to do! This looks amazing!
Haha! You must try it :).