Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Recipes

I love baking, and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes have quickly become a favorite in my household. The rich flavor of peanut butter combined with gooey chocolate chips is simply irresistible. I enjoy making these cupcakes for special occasions, or even just as a sweet treat to brighten up a regular day. The best part is that they are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. Trust me, you will want to add these to your recipe collection!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-07T14:29:28.368Z

When I first combined peanut butter and chocolate in these cupcakes, it was a match made in heaven! The moist texture of the cupcakes really absorbs the flavors, resulting in each bite being a delightful explosion of sweetness. I found that using creamy peanut butter gives a smoother batter, while the chocolate chips provide a contrasting texture that makes each bite so enjoyable.

For the best results, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precision is key! I also recommend letting the cupcakes cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Enjoying these cupcakes with a glass of cold milk enhances the experience even more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent peanut butter flavor paired with rich chocolate
Soft and moist texture that captivates your taste buds
A crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or casual gatherings

Understanding Ingredients

The texture and flavor of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes heavily rely on the quality of the ingredients. Using creamy peanut butter is essential, as it not only contributes to the moistness of the cupcakes but also ensures a smooth frosting. I recommend choosing a nut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars or oils; the natural blend will give you the best results. For the chocolate chips, opt for semi-sweet varieties to achieve a balance between sweetness and richness. You can also use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.

Each ingredient serves a purpose in this recipe. For instance, the cocoa powder adds depth, while the baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise, creating that soft and fluffy texture. Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Instead, mix just until you see no dry flour, and then gently fold in the chocolate chips to prevent breaking them up.

Baking and Frosting Tips

When it's time to bake, make sure your oven is fully preheated. Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking. I suggest using an oven thermometer to verify the accurate temperature, as variations can happen. For a visual cue, look for golden edges on the cupcakes, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allowing the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial; otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide off.

For the frosting, beating the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy, usually around 2-3 minutes, helps incorporate air, resulting in a creamier texture. If the frosting seems too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, if it's too runny, a bit more powdered sugar can thicken it up. Don't hesitate to get creative—sprinkle crushed peanuts or extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.

Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add the sugar while mixing, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, consider adding crushed peanuts on top of the frosting for an extra crunch!

Storage Ideas

These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve them for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Simply place the cooled cupcakes in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring them to room temperature before frosting. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

If you plan to frost the cupcakes ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent the frosting from becoming hard, cover the container loosely with a piece of wax paper or parchment. This keeps the frosting from sticking while still allowing it to breathe.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the flavor by incorporating different mix-ins or toppings. Swapping out chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips can create an exciting twist. You can also add crushed peanut butter cups to the batter for an extra burst of flavor! Alternatively, consider mixing in chopped nuts for added crunch and complexity.

If you're looking for a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour. Additionally, using a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like honey can lower the overall sugar content without compromising flavor. Just remember that these changes may slightly alter the texture, so be prepared for minor adjustments.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may affect the texture slightly; it might yield a denser cupcake.

→ How can I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before frosting.

→ What can I substitute if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can use carob powder as a substitute, although it will create a different flavor profile.