PB&J Cupcakes

It's been a busy weekend here at We Have Cupcakes. We've been making freezer jam, painting sample colors (we are repainting the outside!), and gardening (I can't wait to share my Zucchini Cupcake recipe with you!). And school is still in session, so of course we need cupcakes to stick in those school lunches. And let me tell you--there is nothing better to go with a PB&J sandwich (with fresh strawberry jam!) than a PB&J cupcake!

So, without further ado...

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 oz) pkg white cake mix
• 1 (3 oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups chopped peanut butter cookies
• 4 oz fresh strawberry freezer jam
• 8 oz frozen whipped topping*
  

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place paper liners in 24 muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, water, and peanut butter with an electric or stand mixer at medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in chopped peanut butter cookies. Divide evenly between cupcake liners.
   
3. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Remove from pan, cool completely.
4. Place frozen whipped topping into a medium bowl. Fold in strawberry jam. Frost cupcakes with this fresh, sweet concoction. Enjoy!
   

*I know it seems like the frozen whipped topping is a cop out--especially since I love fresh whipped cream...BUT! the frozen whipped topping holds up better with the strawberry jam folded in.