Craving a delightful fusion of peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Cupcakes are a must-try! Picture rich chocolate brownies studded with decadent peanut butter chips, all conveniently baked in a muffin pan. If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
This homemade brownie recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with extra peanut butter chips sprinkled on top for that perfect finishing touch. Ideal for parties or potlucks, baking these treats in cupcake form makes them easy to serve and enjoy on the go. The marriage of peanut butter and chocolate in these cupcakes is a match made in dessert heaven, offering a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Peanut Butter Mix
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus additional for garnishing if desired)
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 2 tbsp milk
Required Equipment
For preparing these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, you’ll need a few essential baking and decorating tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Baking Tools
- 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Medium and Small Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling Rack
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Piping Bag and Large Round Piping Tip
- Offset Spatula
- Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups or Chopped Peanuts (optional for garnish)
- Cupcake Liners
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan with Brown Parchment Baking Cups/Liners.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Set aside for later use.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time, beating until creamy after each addition.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Once the batter is ready, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently. Be sure not to overmix, to maintain the light texture of the cupcakes.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can fill them to the top for larger muffins or 2/3 full for smaller ones.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cupcakes are puffed up and start to turn golden brown.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving or decorating with your preferred peanut butter frosting or garnishes.
These steps will result in delicious and moist peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes that are perfect for any occasion.
Baking Directions
Cupcake Cooking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners. The cupcakes will bake for about 25 minutes, rising and starting to turn golden brown.
Test for Doneness
To check if the cupcakes are ready, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it, the cupcakes are done. Let them cool before decorating with peanut butter frosting or optional garnishes.
Frosting and Decoration
Making the Frosting
To prepare the delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes, the first step is creating the creamy and irresistible frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla. Then, add smooth butter and creamy peanut butter to the mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Alternately, add sugar and milk gradually until fully incorporated, ensuring a fluffy and delectable consistency.
Applying the Frosting
Once the frosting is ready, it’s time to adorn the cooled cupcakes with this luscious creation. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round piping tip for an elegant finish. Pipe the frosting generously on top of each cupcake, creating beautiful swirls or peaks. Feel free to experiment with different piping techniques to showcase your style and creativity in decorating these delightful treats.
Adding Final Touches
To add the final touches to your peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes, elevate their presentation with extra chocolate chips or other garnishes of your choice. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting to enhance the visual appeal and provide an extra burst of chocolate in every bite. Get creative with decorations like chocolate sprinkles, mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or crushed peanuts for a unique and personalized touch to your cupcakes.
Storage and Serving
How to Store
After preparing these delightful peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their freshness and moistness, you can add half a slice of bread to the container. Another option is to store them in the refrigerator, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving to retain their soft texture for up to 2-3 days.
Best Serving Practices
For the best presentation and taste, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. This ensures that the frosting adheres well to the cupcakes without sliding off. To add an extra crunch and flavor dimension, top your cupcakes with additional chocolate chips and chopped peanuts. This final touch not only enhances the visual appeal of the cupcakes but also adds a delightful texture to each bite.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Cupcakes has inspired you to get baking! The combination of peanut butter and chocolate flavors in a convenient muffin form is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With detailed ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time. Don’t forget to top them with creamy peanut butter frosting and your favorite garnishes for that extra special touch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes!
