Perfection in a Mug

by Julie on January 10, 2011

While in New York City, we stopped in at the Shake Shack for lunch.

What caught my eye first? Their focus on sustainability, in both their ingredients and their buildings.

The second thing that caught my eye? Their salted peanut butter hot chocolate.

Since we were just picking up a small lunch, we had to pass on the hot chocolate. But I made a note, right then and there, to make my own version at the first opportunity I got.

My first attempt was kind of gross, to say the least. Word to the wise: do NOT use chunky peanut butter. The clumps are not what you want to encounter while sipping your hot chocolate.

The second attempt was much better. It was creamy and smooth. Rich and delicious, like a melted Reese’s peanut butter cup. Try it. Try it today.

Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Serves 2

2 c (16 fl oz) milk

1/4 c sugar

7 T cocoa powder

2 tsp creamy peanut or almond butter (NOT chunky!)

2 tsp ground sea salt

In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and sugar. Heat over medium-low until the milk just starts to bubble at the edges. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cocoa powder and peanut butter until completely blended. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.

Savvy Tip: For a smoother, creamier hot chocolate, mix with an immersion blender or process in a blender for 15-30 seconds.

Divide between 2 mugs, and enjoy.

Tagged as: Desserts, Recipe

{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Kelly January 10, 2011 at 4:06 pm

I don’t like peanut butter, but Spencer is going to love you for this one.

2 Victoria (District Chocoholic) January 10, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Love the sound of a melted Reese’s peanut butter cup – wonder how peanut flour would work in this. It’d be a little lower in fat, but I’d mostly be curious about whether or not it would be smoother and/or come together more easily.

3 Corey @ the runners cookie January 10, 2011 at 4:08 pm

Ohh my gosh this looks amazing! Reese’s are my favorite – I must try this!

4 Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland January 10, 2011 at 4:25 pm

I wonder how peanut flour would work in this…I might have to find out!

5 Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean January 10, 2011 at 4:39 pm

yum, sounds delicious!

6 kate January 10, 2011 at 4:51 pm

I just died and went to heaven. They better serve this in heaven.

7 Charlie January 10, 2011 at 5:05 pm

This sounds so yummy! Peanut butter and chocolate were made to be together.
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8 Rachel @ The Avid Appetite January 10, 2011 at 5:35 pm

Oh man, Shake Shack is the best. Which location did you go to? My favorite is the Upper West Side since it’s a little more spacious and looks out across the Natural History Museum!

9 Julie @savvyeats January 11, 2011 at 11:00 am: That’s the one we went to, right before the museum!

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10 amy January 10, 2011 at 5:52 pm

that looks so good! might have to try that tonight!

11 Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life January 10, 2011 at 5:53 pm

Cue me drooling … literally my 3 favorite food groups. And I have yet to go to Shake Shack but everyone raves about it!
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12 Dorry January 10, 2011 at 7:05 pm

That sounds perfectly decadent and comforting! Yum! Billy loves Shake Shack.
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13 Kristi January 10, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I love chocolate and salt! It’s the perfect combination

14 Amy January 11, 2011 at 9:00 am

Oh Julie, this sounds like heaven! We are scheduled to get a lot (for Central OH) of snow this afternoon and this evening, and this sounds like the perfect treat! Can’t wait to try it tonight!
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15 Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) January 11, 2011 at 10:27 am

Oh my, now THAT will be something to look forward to now that you and Dan are going on long (cold) walks!
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16 Matt @ FaveDiets February 10, 2011 at 8:59 am