Reeces Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Tamra gave me what has arguably been my favorite Christmas gift EVER...a subscription to a monthly food magazine and this darling cupcake tray. The first issue I received had recipes for cupcakes that mock the flavors of your favorite candy bars. They almost looked too good to eat!

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Cupcake Batter:

12 T. real butter, cut into pieces

1/2 c. cocoa powder

1/4 c. water

1 1/3 c. brown sugar

1 1/3 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 c. buttermilk

1 large egg, at room temp.

1 tsp. vanilla

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Preheat oven to 350. Line mini cupcake pan with mini liners (24). Combine the butter, cocoa powder and water in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes until butter melts. Whisk to combine and then whisk in the brown sugar. In another bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, and salt). Whisk to combine and then pour in the warm cocoa mixture. In a measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Add to the batter and stir until just combined (don't over mix). Scoop batter in to liners and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

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Peanut Butter Topping:

1/2 c. heavy cream

1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips

In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and pour hot mixture on top of the peanut butter chips in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk mixture until smooth. Refrigerate until topping is set (about 10-15 minutes) then beat with an electric mixer until fluffy. Place mixture in to a piping bag (I just used a sturdy Ziploc bag and cut the corner off to create my own piping bag). Pipe peaks on to each cupcake. Place cupcakes in freezer while you make the glaze.

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For glaze: Melt 1 T. butter and 6 ounces milk chocolate chips in microwave (1 minute) in a microwave safe bowl covered with plastic wrap. Stir well and then either dip cupcakes in the chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over the top. I used a Ziploc bag and snipped off a tiny corner which allowed me to evenly drizzle the mixture on top.