Chcolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut butter and chocolate are a prefect combination. Almost as good as chocolate and mint. I made these cupcakes for my birthday and shared with my neighbors and the class of 4 year old that I teach Sunday school. 

Chocolate Cupcakes (source) 

2 1/2 cups flour 

2/3 cup cocoa powder 

1 1/4 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp salt 

1/4 tsp baking powder 

1 2/3 cups white sugar 

2/3 cup butter, softened 

1 1/4 cups water 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

2 eggs 

Preheat oven to 350. 

Combine dry ingredients. Beat in wet ingredients until smooth. 

Line or spray muffin cups and fill 2/3 full. 

Bake cupcakes for about 20 minutes. (I made both regular and mini sized cupcakes. Mini cupcakes bake for about 13 minutes.) 

Peanut Butter Frosting (adapted from this source) 

1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening 

1/3 cup smooth peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

2 cups confectioners sugar 

2-3 TBSP milk 

Cream shortening, peanut butter and vanilla. Gradually add sugar. Add milk to desired consistency.