NUTTY CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

Nutty Chocolate Muffins image

The ever-popular combination of peanut butter and chocolate transforms muffins into extra-special treats. Your family will gobble them up at Christmastime or any time at all.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
FILLING:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, butter and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in peanuts and chocolate chips. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full., Bake at 350° for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a large star tip. Fill bag with peanut butter filling. Insert tip into the top of each cupcake; fill with about 2 teaspoons filling, gradually lifting and piping a small amount of filling onto top of muffins. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 437 calories, Fat 25g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.