Vanilla Cupcakes

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

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a whisk.

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
This helps to incorporate air and create a light texture.

Stir in the sugar vanilla or vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
This allows room for the cupcakes to rise.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean.
Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can cause the cupcakes to sink.

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or decorating.
Now you have a batch of delicious vanilla cupcakes ready to be enjoyed!