Chocolate Cream Cheese-Filled Cupcakes

I make these cupcakes for every special occasion. They are also a great way to make a good first impression. So get in the kitchen and make these rich, delicious cream cheese-filled cupcakes.

Cupcake Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (or miniature chips)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. For cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl until smooth.

3. Beat in the egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and set filling aside.

4. For the cupcake mix, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, 1 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.

5. In another small bowl, whisk together water, oil and vinegar.

6. Whisk wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until moistened. (Don't over mix.)

7. Fill 20 paper-lined muffin cups half full with cupcake batter.

8. Drop cream cheese filling by heaping tablespoonfuls into the center of each.

9. Bake for 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean.

10. Cool cupcakes in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

3 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup chopped pecans, optional

11. For frosting, combine confectioners sugar, cocoa, butter, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer until blended.

12. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with pecans, if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Enjoy these decadent chocolate cream cheese cupcakes!