Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes

These delightful Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes combine the rich, nutty flavors of peanut butter cookies with the creamy decadence of frosting. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients:

For Cookie Cupcakes:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated white sugar
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For Frosting:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, plus more for decorating
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 or 3 standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.

2. Prepare Cookie Cupcakes:

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

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

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy.

5. Add Peanut Butter and Eggs:

• Reduce the speed to low. Mix in the peanut butter, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

• Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Then, mix in the sour cream.

7. Bake Cupcakes:

• Spoon scant 3 tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup. Bake until pale golden and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 13 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely.

8. Prepare Frosting:

9. Mix Frosting:

• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy.

10. Add Peanut Butter: – Stir in the peanut butter with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.

11. Frost Cupcakes: – Spread 1½ tablespoons of frosting onto each cupcake. Refrigerate until the frosting is firm, about 10 minutes.

12. Decorate: – Using the tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar, score each cupcake top in a crosshatch pattern.

Storage:

• Cupcakes can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 35 min
• Cooking Time: 13 min
• Total Time: 48 min
• Servings: 30

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve at Room Temperature:
   • For the best taste and texture, serve Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes at room temperature. Remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften and the flavors to meld.
2. Garnish with Toppings:
   • Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding garnishes like a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting.
3. Pair with Beverages:
   • These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a hot cocoa. The rich peanut butter flavor complements these beverages perfectly.
4. Create a Dessert Display:
   • For parties or special occasions, arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter or cupcake stand. Add some peanut butter cups or cookies around the base for a themed display.
5. Serve with Ice Cream:
   • For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of warm, soft cupcake and cold ice cream is delightful.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Properly:
   • Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can be stored this way for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to prevent the cupcakes from drying out.
2. Freeze for Longer Storage:
   • To store cupcakes for a longer period, freeze them. Wrap each unfrosted cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
3. Freeze Frosting Separately:
   • If you plan to freeze the cupcakes, consider freezing the frosting separately. Place the frosting in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw the frosting in the refrigerator and then whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture before frosting the cupcakes.
4. Reheat Unfrosted Cupcakes:
   • To enjoy a warm cupcake, reheat an unfrosted cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This is especially nice if you plan to serve the cupcakes with a cold beverage or ice cream.
5. Avoid Overfilling Containers:
   • When storing multiple layers of cupcakes, use parchment paper between the layers to prevent the frosting from sticking to the cupcakes above. Ensure there is enough space to avoid squishing the cupcakes.

Variations :

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
• Flavor Twist: Top the frosted cupcakes with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for an extra indulgent treat.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Fill the center of each cupcake with a spoonful of your favorite jelly or jam before baking.
• Flavor Twist: Top the frosted cupcakes with a small dollop of jelly or jam to highlight the classic peanut butter and jelly combination.

3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Flavor Twist: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting for an extra crunch.

4. Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Add 1 mashed banana to the batter for a moist and flavorful cupcake with a hint of banana.
• Flavor Twist: Top the frosted cupcakes with banana slices dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning.

5. Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra layer of sweetness and a touch of elegance.
• Flavor Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel for a delicious salty-sweet combination.

6. Nutty Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
• Flavor Twist: Incorporate a mix of your favorite nuts into the batter for a nutty surprise in every bite.

7. Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cupcake before baking for a surprise treat inside.
• Flavor Twist: Use different types of mini candy bars for a variety of surprise fillings.

8. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cupcakes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Twist: Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, including baking powder and vanilla extract.

9. Vegan Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

• Ingredients: Substitute the butter, cream cheese, and eggs with vegan alternatives like coconut oil, dairy-free cream cheese, and flax eggs. Use a dairy-free frosting recipe.
• Flavor Twist: Add a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar to the frosting for added sweetness.

10. Espresso Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

•  Ingredients: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the peanut butter.
• Flavor Twist: Top the frosted cupcakes with a chocolate-covered espresso bean for a sophisticated touch.

Experimenting with these variations can provide a fresh take on the classic Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes and cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Each variation brings a unique flavor profile, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

FAQs :

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but ensure it is well-mixed to avoid separation of oils.
2. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
   • Absolutely, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
3. How do I store these cupcakes?
   • Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes.
4. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   • Yes, you can use chocolate frosting, vanilla frosting, or any frosting of your choice to complement the peanut butter flavor.
5. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
   • You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.
6. Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
   • Yes, simply use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 8-10 minutes.
7. How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
   • Adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream or a mashed banana can enhance the moisture content of the cupcakes.
8. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
   • Yes, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Indulge in the rich and nutty flavors of these Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes. With their creamy frosting and delightful texture, they are perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite variations and enjoy a treat that’s sure to please every peanut butter lover!

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