Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

This was one of my husband's picks for birthday cupcake treats for his workplace. This is the first time I've made actual peanut butter cupcakes, and I was pleased with the result.

Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
Cupcakes
2 1/3 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup peanut butter
Frosting
1/2 cup butter
3 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 to 4 Tbsp. milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
Garnish
1/3 cup peanuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line pans with 24 cupcake liners. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl, beat butter 30 seconds on medium speed. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating until well blended. Beat an additional 2 minutes after all sugar is added. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla and peanut butter.

Alternately beat in flour mixture and milk on low, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full, and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes in the pans and then completely on wire racks.

To make frosting, mix butter and chocolate together. Beat in powdered sugar. Beat in vanilla, peanut butter and milk until smooth and spreadable.

Frost cupcakes, and sprinkle with peanuts. Makes 24 cupcakes.