Basic Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/3 cups premium flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 110 g butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups whole milk
• 165 g butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp. whole milk

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Line a 12-cup metal muffin pan with paper cups.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter with a mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat until creamy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Knead the dough.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake pans. Bake until the tops are firm, 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely.
4. Prepare the glaze.
   
   In a bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and salt with a mixer on medium speed until completely combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high, add the vanilla, and beat until creamy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the milk and beat for about 1 minute, until the icing is fluffy.
5. Spread frosting on cupcakes. Decorate the tops with desired decorations.