Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

Step 2
Mix together flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in oil, water, vinegar, and vanilla until blended. Pour mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.

Step 3
Beat together cream cheese, egg, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in chocolate chips until incorporated. Drop a heaping teaspoonful of cream cheese mixture into each cupcake.

Step 4
Bake in the preheated oven until cupcake centers bounce back when gently pressed, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.