Weigh out the ingredients
I
For the cupcakes, you'll need flour, granulated sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, hot coffee, vanilla, milk, oil, baking powder, and salt.
Weigh out the ingredients
II
For the frosting, you'll need butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, heavy cream, salt, and peanut butter cups.
Combine dry ingredients
III
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine wet ingredients
IV
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk until just combined.
Mix wet and dry ingredients
V
Lastly, whisk in the hot coffee until fully combined.
Add hot coffee to batter
VI
Transfer the batter to the cupcake pan, filling each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
Fill cupcake liners
VII
Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Bake
VIII
Beat the butter and salt on high speed until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix until fully combined, then add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed, then add the heavy cream and continue beating until fully smooth.
Make frosting
IX
Decorate the cupcakes as desired. Top each with half of a peanut butter cup, and enjoy!
Decorate
X