CHOCOLATE-PEANUTBUTTER PARTY CUPCAKES

• Hola, lovers!  You guys voted THIS as the recipe you'd like next, so today I'm sharing how to make my yummy, cute-as-a-button, Chocolate-Peanutbutter Party Cupcakes.  I made these for my daughters, and loved seeing the look on their faces when they saw them!  Suffice it to say, they didn't last long. :)  ENJOY!  xo ~JoLynne   #ParaGoddess  ♥

• CHOCOLATE CAKE BATTER (this can be used for cakes & cupcakes) 
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 1/2 sticks softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons  vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• Cream together the butter, eggs and sugar.  Then stir in the baking powder and baking soda.  In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa and flour, then stir half into the wet mixture.  Lighten the batter by blending in the sour cream.  Lastly, add the remaining half of the flour and cocoa mixture.  Spoon into cupcake tins, lined with paper cups.  Fill cups 2/3 full.  Bake at 350F 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted, comes out clean.  Remove and cool completely.

Frosting:

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
• 3/4 stick butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut-butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Combine butter, powdered sugar, peanut-butter and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.  Beat at medium speed, until smooth and creamy.  In a small saucepan, melt semi-sweet chocolate just until melted, stirring constantly.  *DO NOT ALLOW TO BURN*---the chocolate will melt quickly; do not walk away from it.  Slowly stir melted chocolate into the frosting, then stir in the corn syrup.  Frost cooled cupcakes, and prepare to decorate.

Decorate:   Top frosted cupcakes with colorful sprinkles and a Reese's peanut-butter cup.  ENJOY! :) ♥