Chocolate Chip Maple Pancake Cupcakes

Ingredients 

1/2 cup of butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 tsp salt
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Maple Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp milk
2 teaspoons  vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-5 minutes in a stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Measure out 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips and stir with 1/2 tbsp of flour to coat the chips. To the butter and sugar, slowly add the maple syrup, vanilla, eggs, and milk, beating well until well combined. Add in the flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill the liners 3/4 full of batter. Bake for  about 10mins, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

To make the frosting: Cream the butter, sugar, maple syrup and vanilla on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the milk if needed. Frost the cupcakes and store at room temperature.

Adapted: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com