Instructions

• Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan.
• Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• Beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla.
• Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk; mix just until smooth.
• Divide batter among liners and bake 18 to 20 minutes, until the tops spring back and a tester is clean.
• Cool in the pan briefly, then transfer cupcakes to a rack to cool completely before decorating.