This protein hot chocolate recipe is a delicious way to get almost 40 grams of protein during the cold winter months. All you need is your favorite protein powder, milk, and cocoa powder!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Full Disclosure Policy for more information.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Protein Powder Hot Chocolate Recipe
Traditionally a cup of hot chocolate can be loaded with sugar from hot chocolate mix found at the store. This healthy hot chocolate recipe calls for simple ingredients (milk, chocolate protein powder, and cacoa powder) to make a rich hot chocolate, perfect to enjoy cozied up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket!
Equipment
- Liquid measuring cup or shaker bottle - since the chocolate protein powder and cacao powder may be clumpy, using a shaker bottle or whisk with a liquid measuring cup (or the mug you'll drink out of) helps to break the clumps up! You can also use a milk frother.
- Microwave-safe mug - whether you reheat it in a mug or cook it in a mug, you want a microwave-safe mug so it doesn't break in the microwave!
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Milk of choice - you can use any milk. Unsweetend almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, low-fat cow's milk, skim milk, or even whole milk! I recommend choosing one of the creamy milks for the perfect hot chocolate consistency.
- Chocolate protein powder - I always recommend using an NSF for Sport certified protein powder (whether is chocolate, cookies and cream, peanut butter, or vanilla protein powder!). You can use a vegan protein powder as well!
- Unsweetend 100% cacao powder - this ingredient is the best way to give this protein hot chocolate a rich chocolatey flavor.
- Marshmallows(optional) - arguably the best part of hot chocolate!
How to Make
1: Combine all ingredients in a liquid measuring cup or shaker bottle.
2: Whisk or shake until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and there are no clumps.
3: Heat in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. You can also heat it on the stove top on medium low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently!
Variations & Substitutions
- Add a Tablespoon of powdered peanut butter to the liquid before mixing for a high protein peanut butter hot chocolate!
- For a Mexican hot chocolate, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon!
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a s'mores hot cocoa!
Pro Tips
- Use low-fat cow's milk, soy milk, and/or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture in this protein hot chocolate. Definitely use milk over plain hot water!
- Add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup or honey if this recipe isn't sweet enough. You can also add a Tablespoon of chocolate chips as a way to sweeten it!
- Combine the ingredients in a shaker cup or use a whisk to really mix all of the ingredients and remove any clumps. A milk frother also works really well!
Serving, Storing, & Reheating
Serving
I love serving this protein hot chocolate recipe in a festive mug with mini marshmallows on top!
Storing
- If you happen to have any hot chocolate leftover, I recommend storing it in an airtight container like a resealable mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Be sure to mix it really well before reheating again!
Reheating
- Simply reheat the hot chocolate in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Be sure to stir frequently if you use the stove!
- Be sure to mix the hot chocolate before reheating as some of the protein powder may settle to the bottom.
Recipe FAQ
Absolutely! I recommend combining the liquid and protein powder in a shaker bottle or liquid measuring cup and using a whisk to prevent any clumps from forming. Putting protein powder into a drink that's already hot may cause the powder to clump up.
Yes! It heats up really well in the microwave or on the stove after being mixed with a liquid of choice.
This protein hot chocolate recipe is lower in sugar than traditional hot chocolate, as well as higher in protein! It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth when the chocolate craving strikes.
My go-to recommendation is a whey protein isolate because of how rapidly it's digested and absorbed, which is important for post workout. Whey concentrate is another option but this powder tends to be higher in carbohydrates and fat than isolate. The key to picking a good protein powder is making sure it's third party tested since supplements aren't regulated at all by the Food and Drug Adminstration. I always look for the NSF for Sport certification!
I would pour it into a shaker bottle and shake until the clumps are gone. You can also use a small whisk and stir the mixture really well in the mug!
Any kind of milk will work great! I like to use low-fat cow's milk (or even whole milk), soy milk, oat milk, and/or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture for a creamy hot chocolate.
Other Recipes You May Like
Want more healthy recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to join The Perfect Pear newsletter!
If you give this recipe a try, please rate and review it below! I would love to hear your feedback. Also snap a photo and tag me on Insta @theperfectpearr so I can see your creation!
PrintProtein Hot Chocolate Recipe
This protein hot chocolate recipe is a delicious way to get almost 40 grams of protein during the cold winter months. All you need is your favorite protein powder, milk, and cocoa powder!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (354g) milk of choice (or more or less depending on the size of your mug)
- ⅓ cup (33g; ~1 scoop) chocolate protein powder (3rd party tested)
- ½ Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows, optional (for topping)
Instructions
- Using a shaker bottle or liquid measuring cup and whisk, mix together milk, chocolate protein powder, and cocoa powder.
- Pour into mug.
- Microwave for ~1-2 minutes, or until hot.
- Top with marshmallows and enjoy!
Notes
- SERVING: I love serving this protein hot chocolate recipe in a festive mug with mini marshmallows on top!
- STORING: If you happen to have any hot chocolate leftover, I recommend storing it in an airtight container like a resealable mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Be sure to mix it really well before reheating again!
- REHEATING: Simply reheat the hot chocolate in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Be sure to stir frequently if you use the stove!
- Add a Tablespoon of powdered peanut butter to the liquid before mixing for a high protein peanut butter hot chocolate!
- For a Mexican hot chocolate, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon!
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a s'mores hot cocoa!
- Use low-fat cow's milk, soy milk, and/or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture in this protein hot chocolate. Definitely use milk over plain hot water!
- Add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup or honey if this recipe isn't sweet enough. You can also add a Tablespoon of chocolate chips as a way to sweeten it!
- Combine the ingredients in a shaker cup or use a whisk to really mix all of the ingredients and remove any clumps. A milk frother also works really well!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 261
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 254
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 39
- Cholesterol: 40
Leave a Reply