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 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of chocolate chip vanilla cupcakes. The combination of rich chocolate chips with a light, fluffy vanilla cake creates a delightful treat. Each bite offers a perfect balance between sweet and buttery goodness that leaves everyone wanting more. Whether for a birthday party or a cozy afternoon treat, these cupcakes never disappoint. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, anyone can master this recipe and impress their friends and family!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-09T15:05:27.299Z

Every time I bake chocolate chip vanilla cupcakes, I’m reminded of my childhood. Those sweet aromas drifting through the house always sparked excitement and brought everyone together. By using quality vanilla extract and chocolate chips, the flavors truly come alive. I particularly love adding a touch of salt to the batter, as it enhances the sweetness and creates a well-rounded taste.

One tip I’ve found helpful is to avoid overmixing the batter. This keeps the cupcakes light and airy, ensuring the perfect texture. No one enjoys a dense cupcake! Trust me, letting your batter rest for a few minutes before baking can help achieve the ultimate fluffy results.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
The perfect combination of chocolate and vanilla in every bite.
Easy to make for bakers of any skill level.
Delightfully fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

Perfecting Your Cupcake Batter

Getting the cupcake batter just right is essential for achieving that light, fluffy texture. When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure to do so for about 3-5 minutes; the mixture should be pale in color and airy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which will contribute to the cupcakes' rise and fluffiness. If you skip this step or don't cream the mixture long enough, your cupcakes may turn out dense and heavy.

When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, it's important to alternate with the buttermilk. This technique ensures properly combined ingredients that keep the batter moist without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tougher cupcakes, so just mix until you see no streaks of flour. You want to maintain that delicate texture essential for a perfect vanilla cupcake.

Customizing Your Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Want to switch things up? You can easily modify this recipe to cater to various dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Similarly, if you're looking for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour; just be aware that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.

To elevate the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. This will enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee, giving your chocolate chips a richer backdrop. For an even more indulgent treat, consider mixing in nuts or replacing some of the chocolate chips with white chocolate or caramel chips.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a sweet baking adventure!

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup chocolate chips

For the Frosting (optional)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious cupcakes.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip vanilla cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or swapping out chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit.

Storage Tips for Your Cupcakes

After you've baked and cooled your chocolate chip vanilla cupcakes, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve their flavor longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their freshness for about a week. Just be aware that cold temperatures may alter the texture slightly, making them less fluffy.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing your cupcakes. Simply freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy them later, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Frosting and Serving Suggestions

If you've opted for frosting, allowing the cupcakes to cool completely is essential. I recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after baking to ensure the frosting doesn't melt off and maintains its shape. For a simple yet delicious frosting, the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla is a classic choice. You can adjust the milk based on your desired consistency – add less for a thicker frosting or more for a thinner spread.

To enhance the presentation, consider garnishing with extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt right before serving. This adds a nice visual touch and a complementary flavor contrast. Serving them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream can take your cupcake experience to a whole new level, making it an indulgent dessert perfect for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for this recipe.

→ How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Absolutely! Place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.