Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

FOR CUPCAKES
2 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
4 ounces chocolate chips, melted & cooled
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

FOR FROSTING
4 ounce cream cheese, softened
4 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two 12-cup muffin tins, or line with papers; set aside. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside. Mix buttermilk and vanilla extract together in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Pour in melted chocolate and beat until mixed well, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle one third of flour mixture over batter and mix until incorporated. Pour in one third of milk mixture and beat to combine. Continue this process, alternating between dry and liquid ingredients until both are mixed into batter.

3. Fill lined or coated muffin tins 2/3 of the way with batter. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on top of batter. Use tip of a butter knife to push into center or use a spoon to cover peanut butter with the batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until tops spring back when touched (note: the normal toothpick test for doneness won't work due to the filling). Remove from oven and let cool completely.

4. Meanwhile prepare the frosting. Beat cream cheese, butter and peanut butter until creamy and well mixed, about 3 minutes. Add confectioner's sugar and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes. Wait until cupcakes are completely cooled to frost.