Peanut butter and chocolate—a match made in dessert heaven! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes bring together the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a moist, flavorful treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a party, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit.

The combination of peanut butter’s creamy, slightly salty depth with the sweetness of chocolate results in a well-balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, these cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

With a fluffy peanut butter-infused cake base, melty chocolate chips in every bite, and a luscious peanut butter frosting on top, these cupcakes are everything you could ask for in a dessert. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Creamy peanut butter	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	½ cup
Brown sugar (packed)	½ cup
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Buttermilk	½ cup
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)	¾ cup

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Creamy peanut butter	1 cup
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Milk	2-3 tablespoons

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate both work well. If you love dark chocolate, try using bittersweet chips for a richer flavor.
Peanut Butter: Stick to creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can make the batter too oily.

Double Layer Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Ganache

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar properly for a light texture.
Muffin Tin & Liners: Ensures even baking and easy removal.
Whisk & Spatula: To mix and fold in ingredients smoothly.
Piping Bag & Tip (Optional): For beautifully swirled frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

3. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Buttermilk & Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

7. Fill Cupcake Liners & Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool Completely

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

9. Make the Frosting

Beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

10. Frost & Enjoy!

Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

For Extra Moist Cupcakes: Use oil instead of butter in the batter for a softer texture.
Crunchy Variation: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Reese’s Lovers: Add a mini Reese’s cup inside each cupcake before baking!
Nut-Free Option: Use SunButter (sunflower seed butter) for a peanut-free version.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best served fresh with a tall glass of milk or coffee. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm peanut butter sauce. If you’re making them for a party, arrange them on a dessert platter with chocolate-covered strawberries for an elegant touch.

Rich Peanut Butter Drizzle Cupcake with Dark Chocolate

Perfect Pairings

Milk or Coffee: The richness of peanut butter and chocolate pairs beautifully with coffee’s bitterness.
Peanut Butter Whiskey: For adults, try serving with a small glass of peanut butter whiskey for an indulgent treat.
Milkshake: A vanilla or chocolate milkshake makes an amazing complement!

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Frosted cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Calories: ~350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 25g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, bringing together the richness of peanut butter and the decadence of chocolate in every bite. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a casual treat, a birthday celebration, or a special gathering, they are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a foolproof way to impress your family and friends.

If you try this recipe, be sure to share your experience! Leave a comment below with any tweaks you made or creative variations you tried. You can also snap a picture and tag it on social media to show off your delicious creation. Baking is always more fun when shared, so spread the love (and the frosting)! Happy baking!