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 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes never fail to impress! The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is filled with moistness and a hint of richness that makes them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether I’m making them for a birthday party or simply indulging myself, they always disappear in no time. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them my go-to recipe whenever I crave something sweet.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:38:28.193Z

One afternoon, I decided to experiment in the kitchen with some of my favorite ingredients: peanut butter and chocolate. I wanted to create a cupcake that would delight both kids and adults alike, and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes were born! The method of creaming the butter and sugar first really helps to incorporate air, making them light and fluffy.

As I drizzled the batter into each cupcake liner, I couldn't help but smell that incredible aroma of melting chocolate mingling with peanut butter. A little tip I discovered is to slightly chill the dough before baking. This ensures that the chocolate chips hold their shape and don't sink to the bottom during baking, resulting in perfectly layered cupcakes!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate
Soft, moist texture with every bite
Quick and easy to prepare
Great for parties and gatherings

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the rich and moist texture in these cupcakes lies in the use of unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. The butter adds richness while ensuring the right fat content for moisture, while the peanut butter introduces a delightful nuttiness that complements the chocolate. It's crucial to soften the butter to room temperature to ensure a smooth creaming process, which helps incorporate air for a light final product.

All-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder form the base of the cupcakes, providing structure and depth of flavor. When measuring flour, be sure to lightly spoon it into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife to avoid dense cupcakes. For a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cocoa powder is also certified gluten-free.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking your cupcakes, monitor the oven temperature using an oven thermometer if possible. An incorrect temperature can lead to cupcakes that are either undercooked in the center or dry on the edges. A good rule of thumb is to begin checking for doneness around 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Another crucial step is to allow the cupcakes to cool properly after baking. If you leave them in the tin too long, they may become soggy from the steam. After 5 minutes in the pan, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting. This also allows for them to stay fluffy rather than dense.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting the recipe to make the process smoother.

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 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure to have the cupcake liners ready to fill!

Instructions

Preheat your oven and get your muffin tin ready before you start mixing the ingredients.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Peanut Butter

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the peanut butter and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious cupcakes with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a dollop of peanut butter on top of each cupcake before serving.

Storing and Freezing

These peanut butter chocolate chip cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To freeze, let the cupcakes cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

If you're planning to frost your cupcakes, it's best to do so right before serving to maintain their freshness. When ready to serve, you can also allow your frosting to come to room temperature after being stored in the refrigerator for the best spreadability.

Variations and Customizations

These cupcakes are incredibly versatile. You can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Adding chopped nuts such as peanuts or walnuts can enhance the texture and bring additional flavor dimensions to the treat. Additionally, if you want a healthier version, consider using natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars.

For an extra layer of flavor, you could also add a swirl of peanut butter frosting, or top them with a chocolate ganache for a more decadent dessert. If you're in the mood for a golden theme, a splash of caramel syrup drizzled on top can make these cupcakes even more delectable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add an interesting texture to the cupcakes!

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on your preference.