CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.
• To make the FILLING
• Combine the confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract in a bowl.
• Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (at least 24) and set aside on a baking sheet.
• To make the CAKE BATTER.
• Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; whisk together and set aside.
• In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the sour cream, milk and vanilla extract.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed.
• With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Mix just until incorporated.
• Spoon a tablespoon or two of batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Place a ball of the peanut butter filling in each cupcake well and top with the remaining batter so that all the cups are filled.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To make the FROSTING.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter and peanut butter until smooth.
• Slowly mix in the confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth and well blended.
• Mix in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
• Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.