Peanut Butter Hi-Hat Cupcakes: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

Peanut Butter Hi-Hat Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These cupcakes feature a moist chocolate base topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting that gets dipped in a glossy chocolate shell, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.

Inspired by the classic hi-hat cupcake, this version elevates the experience with the nutty depth of peanut butter. The contrast between the silky frosting and the crisp chocolate coating makes these cupcakes both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these decadent cupcakes:

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 cup (125g)
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup (50g)
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150g)
Brown sugar	¼ cup (50g)
Eggs	2 large
Whole milk	½ cup (120ml)
Vegetable oil	⅓ cup (80ml)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Boiling water	½ cup (120ml)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	½ cup (115g), softened
Creamy peanut butter	¾ cup (190g)
Powdered sugar	2 cups (240g)
Heavy cream	3-4 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Salt	¼ tsp

For the Chocolate Coating

Ingredient	Quantity
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	2 cups (340g)
Coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)	2 tbsp

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer – Helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
• Cupcake Liners & Muffin Tin – Essential for shaping the cupcakes.
• Piping Bag & Round Tip – To neatly pipe the frosting before dipping.
• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl – For melting the chocolate coating.
• Cooling Rack – Ensures cupcakes cool evenly before frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then, pour in boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth (it will be thin, but that’s okay!).
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Beat butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
3. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy. Add more cream if needed for a lighter texture.
4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.

Piping and Dipping in Chocolate

1. Pipe tall swirls of frosting on each cooled cupcake. Place cupcakes in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up the frosting.
2. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
3. Transfer melted chocolate to a deep, narrow bowl.
4. Holding each cupcake upside down, dip the frosting into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the cupcake upright.
5. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the coating.
• Want crunch? Add crushed peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.
• Vegan option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, dairy milk with almond milk, and butter with vegan butter. Use dairy-free chocolate.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Make it extra fancy: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the hardened shell for contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the frosting to stay creamy while keeping the chocolate crisp. Serve them on a decorative platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or peanut butter drizzle for an extra touch.

Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert plate.

For a playful party presentation, serve with mini skewers so guests can lift the cupcakes without smudging the chocolate shell.

Pairings

• Coffee – A hot latte or espresso balances the sweetness with its bitterness.
• Milkshakes – A peanut butter or chocolate milkshake enhances the cupcake’s flavors.
• Red Wine – A glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon brings out the chocolatey depth.
• Peanut Butter Whiskey – A fun pairing for adults who love a nutty, boozy kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before eating.
• Freeze: Freeze cupcakes (before dipping in chocolate) for up to 3 months. Thaw before adding the shell.
• Reheating: Not necessary, but if the chocolate softens, refrigerate for a few minutes to firm it back up.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~350
Carbs	42g
Fat	18g
Protein	5g
Sugar	30g

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

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Hi-Hat Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With their rich chocolate base, airy peanut butter frosting, and crisp chocolate shell, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration, a gathering with friends, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their bakery-style elegance and homemade charm. The process of dipping the frosting into melted chocolate adds an element of fun and creativity, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning.

What makes these cupcakes truly special is their versatility—you can customize them with different chocolate coatings, add crunchy toppings, or even experiment with flavored frostings to make them uniquely yours. They pair beautifully with coffee, milkshakes, or even a bold red wine, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite. Happy baking!