Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cream Frosting

Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, using the paddle attachment, add the first 5 ingredients and mix for 2 minutes on low. Add the cubed butter a few pieces at a time and mix another 2 minutes on low until mixture is sandy looking. Add the milk and sour cream, mix for 1 minute on low; add the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla. Mix on low speed for another minute. Do not over-beat. Scrape up any batter from the bottom of the bowl and incorporate into the mixture.

Use a large ice cream scoop to fill paper cups about 2/3rds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes back clean. Place pans on a rack and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.


Frosting:
For the frosting, cream together the butter and shortening, then add the peanut butter. On medium speed, add the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time. Mixture will be stiff. Add in the vanilla and then the milk, one tablespoon at a time while beating on medium, until frosting is fluffy and reaches the desired consistency. You may not need all of the milk.

Once completely cooled, spread or pipe frosting on top of the cupcakes and garnish immediately with chopped peanuts and/or sprinkles, if desired, before frosting sets. Serve immediately, store in a cool area, or refrigerate.