Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

These cupcakes are along the same line as the cookie dough ones.
They are a pretty basic recipe but pack a big punch!

First start with your favorite basic vanilla cupcake recipe (you could also use a box mix if you want to take the easier way out)
Once the cake batter is done distribute it throughout your lined cupcake pans. (I find a 1/4 cup measure is the perfect amount for each cupcake.)

Once your pans are all filled simply drop a frozen Reese's Peanut Butter cup in the center of each cupcake.



Bake these babies in a 350 degree oven for about 18-19 minutes.

While the cupcakes are baking I like to whip up the frosting.
For these cupcakes I wanted to make a peanut butter buttercream. I used my basic buttercream recipe and just added about 1/4 cup of peanut butter (you can add more of less depending on how strong you want the peanut butter flavor to be)

I love how frosting looks when it comes all together! YUM!



Once the cupcakes are cooled it's time to get frosting!!!!! I topped them off with some Reese's Peanut Butter cups that I had chopped up. They look delectable!



and when you bite into them you get the nice added treat of a peanut butter cup!




I am sure my husband's co-workers will enjoy these tomorrow!





Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

1 Cup shortening
2 sticks of salted butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
6-8 tbsp Water or Milk
2 lbs confectionery sugar
1/4 cup peanutbutter

Directions:
Cream shortening, butter, peanut butter, vanilla and water together until smooth.
Add in confectionery sugar and beat on low until sugar is incorporated and then beat on medium for 2 mins until smooth. Scrape down bowl and beat for 15 more seconds (add more water/milk if frosting seems to thick)