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 granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I can hardly express how delightful these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes are! Each bite is a perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a soft, fluffy cake that just melts in your mouth. I often bake these for gatherings, and they never fail to impress. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; it requires no complicated techniques. The kids also love helping out, making the experience even more enjoyable. Trust me, these cupcakes will become a staple in your home too!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:29:28.242Z

When I first created the recipe for these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, I wanted to combine two classic flavors that everyone adores: peanut butter and chocolate. The balance of sweetness from the chocolate chips with the salty creaminess of peanut butter is simply irresistible. I’ve tried various combinations, but this one is the best!

One tip I learned while baking these cupcakes is to slightly underbake them. The result is a moist and tender texture that makes every bite a true indulgence. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking accentuates the flavors, so don’t skip that step!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Irresistible blend of peanut butter and chocolate
Soft, moist texture that keeps you coming back for more
Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a sweet treat at home

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes serves a specific purpose, contributing to their mouthwatering flavor and irresistible texture. The creamy peanut butter not only infuses the cupcakes with a rich, nutty taste but also adds moisture, ensuring they stay soft and tender. The combination of granulated and brown sugars creates a delightful balance of sweetness, with the brown sugar adding a hint of caramel depth.

Butter plays a crucial role as well, lending richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes. When combined with the eggs, it creates a stable structure that supports the fluffy rise during baking. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming; this ensures air is incorporated well, resulting in a light and airy texture.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve perfectly baked cupcakes, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision, particularly for the flour and sugars, which are key to achieving the right texture. Moreover, remember not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, which is something we certainly want to avoid. Stir until just combined for the best results.

When filling the cupcake liners, aim for about two-thirds full to allow the batter to rise appropriately without overflowing. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking; the cupcakes are done when they spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This will prevent them from becoming dry due to overbaking.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until creamy, then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake the Cupcakes

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

Cool and Serve

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

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

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider frosting the cupcakes with peanut butter frosting for a double peanut butter experience!

Storing and Freezing

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Let the cupcakes cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to revive the soft texture, consider warming them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give you that freshly baked taste even after freezing.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with these cupcakes by adding different mix-ins. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance texture and flavor, while a swirl of raspberry or strawberry jam can add a fruity kick that complements the peanut butter. You could also replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste or use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter profile.

For those looking for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour for added fiber or substituting Greek yogurt for half the butter. This will give you that moist texture with fewer calories, without compromising the beloved peanut butter-chocolate flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly, making it a little denser.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

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

→ Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for an extra flavor boost!