Cupcakes are the perfect combination of soft cake and sweet frosting, making them a delightful treat for any event.

Whether it's a birthday celebration or just a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone. With their light and fluffy texture, topped with creamy, smooth frosting, they bring a burst of happiness in every bite..

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ½ cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 3-4 cups powdered sugar

- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Food coloring (optional)

- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Directions:

Preparing the Batter:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to make it easier to remove the cupcakes once baked.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure they are evenly distributed and set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the texture becomes light and airy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Once the eggs are well combined, add the vanilla extract and mix again.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, gently mixing until everything is just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.

Baking the Cupcakes:

Fill the Liners: Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing.

Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if the cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready.

Cool the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cupcakes from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Making the Frosting:

Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.

Add the Sugar Gradually: Add the powdered sugar to the butter, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.

Incorporate the Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easily spreadable. If you want to add some color, mix in a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Decorating and Serving:

Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a spatula or a piping bag to apply the frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles or other decorations if you like.

Enjoy: Serve the cupcakes right away or store them in an airtight container for later. They’re perfect for any celebration or just as a delightful treat whenever you need a bit of sweetness in your day! These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or just as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.

Cupcakes are the epitome of comfort desserts, offering a world of possibilities with different flavors, frostings, and decorations. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! So, Lykkers, whether you're making classic vanilla cupcakes or experimenting with new flavors, these treats will always be a hit. Happy baking!