Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcake

Name: Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely adore baking, and these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcakes are my go-to treat when I want something sweet and comforting. The rich vanilla flavor combined with melty chocolate chips creates a delightful experience in every bite. I enjoy making them for various occasions – whether it’s a quick treat for friends or a special dessert for family gatherings. Each cupcake is moist and fluffy, making them irresistible. Let's bring a bit of joy to our baking routine with these delicious cupcakes!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-09T17:09:27.347Z

Baking these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcakes was an absolute delight! I experimented with different ratios of vanilla to butter, and it was fascinating to discover how this simple change elevated the flavor. It took a few tries to get it just right, but the final cupcakes were fluffy, and the chocolate chips added the ideal amount of sweetness.

One key tip I found effective is to let the butter and sugar really cream together before adding the eggs. This step creates a light batter that results in a perfect rise and texture. The first time I skipped it, the cupcakes were dense, so I can't stress enough how crucial that step is!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Perfect balance of rich vanilla and chocolate flavors
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for any occasion

The Perfect Cupcake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcakes is essential for a delightful bite. The combination of softened butter and granulated sugar in the creaming step creates air pockets, giving your cupcakes a light and fluffy structure. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. The batter should be mixed just until you see no dry flour, ensuring that your cupcakes remain moist and tender.

Another key element is the incorporation of chocolate chips. By folding them in gently, you avoid breaking the batter's structure, helping to maintain that desirable fluffiness. If you find that your chocolate chips tend to sink during baking, try tossing them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick will help suspend them throughout your cupcakes, providing that rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

Baking Tips for Success

Preheating your oven is crucial for even baking. Make sure to give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach 350°F (175°C) before placing your cupcakes inside. This ensures that they start baking immediately, allowing for a good rise and preventing a dense texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; they are ready when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling your cupcakes is just as important as baking them. After removing them from the oven, allow them to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling helps prevent soggy bottoms and ensures a better overall texture. For storage, place cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer-lasting enjoyment.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake tray, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip vanilla cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty finish.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in these cupcakes plays a vital role in contributing to their overall flavor and texture. For instance, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the batter, ensuring that the rich vanilla and chocolate flavors shine through without being overpowered. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, achieving a similar texture and flavor profile.

The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips brings a perfect balance of sweetness and depth to the cupcakes. If you're in the mood to experiment, feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or even white chocolate for an entirely different taste experience. Mixing in nuts or dried fruits can also create delightful variations.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cupcakes are wonderfully versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual gathering, serving them plain is delightful, but for more formal events, consider topping them with a simple vanilla buttercream frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Adding colorful sprinkles can make them festive and appealing for birthday parties.

For an extra special touch, consider adding a filling to your cupcakes. After baking, use a small knife to cut out a cone-shaped piece from the center and fill it with a dollop of chocolate ganache or a raspberry jam. This hidden surprise will add a luxurious element to the eating experience, making your cupcakes stand out in any setting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer flavor to the cupcakes.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.

→ How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.