Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Less than a week until Christmas! I for one cannot wait, despite the fact that I really only started my holiday shopping a couple days ago. Nothing like waiting until the last minute I guess! So while I procrastinate shopping, let's make cupcakes.....

This classic peanut butter - chocolate combo really is one of the best ideas ever. I don't know a single person who doesn't love anything that combines the two, so these cupcakes are bound to be a crowd pleaser. They even smell deliciously peanut buttery thanks to the rich icing.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes 

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Icing

• 6 ounces butter, room temperature
• 2 1/2- 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine milk and vanilla; and set aside. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in another small bowl.
2. Beat together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth, then add in the peanut butter and combine. 
3. Add the flour mixture and the milk mixture alternating (1/3 flour, 1/2 milk, 1/3 flour, 1/2 milk, 1/3 flour) --> that's a little tip I learned at a cupcake workshop a while ago, it helps to keep the cake light. Be careful not to over mix. Then fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into baking cups and bake for 20-24 minutes, until a light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. 

For the icing: 

1. Combine milk and vanilla in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter until creamy. 
2. Add the powdered sugar and milk mixture until it's combined. (Use extra powdered sugar or milk as needed until you reach your desired consistency, I ended up using at least 3 cups of sugar) 
3. Frost the cooled cupcakes, and enjoy!