Very Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350*F.

2. 2

   Grease and flour 24 standard-size muffin cups, or line with paper wrappers; set aside.

3. 3

   Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the butter until light and fluffy.

5. 5

   Gradually add the sugar; continue beating until very light and fluffy.

6. 6

   Reduce mixer speed to medium; beat in the eggs, 2 at a time, then the vanilla.

7. 7

   Reduce mixer speed to low; alternately beat in the flour mixture with the milk, just until blended.

8. 8

   Spoon the batter into the prepared cups; bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are soft but springy.

9. 9

   Cool 5-10 minutes in the tins on a wire rack; carefully invert and cool completely.

10. 10

    Frost as desired.

11. 11

    *For a more intense vanilla flavor, make vanilla sugar: bury a halved vanilla bean in a container of granulated sugar; cover tightly and let stand for a few days to let the flavor develop.

12. 12

    Stir every so often.

13. 13

    *.