vanilla cupcakes

I made a sweet treat yesterday for an afternoon snack.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Makes about 12 cupcakes
1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (I think I'd maybe like to try this with about slightly-more-than-half cake flour and the other half regular flour next time)
1 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
just over 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into little cubes
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined.
3. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
4. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla.
5. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients to dry ingredients gradually; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.
6. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about two-thirds full.
7. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Buttercream

Makes enough for 12-15 cupcakes

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
about 3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
color if desired

1. Cream butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Mix on low speed adding the sugar, milk, and vanilla;
mix until light and fluffy.
If necessary, gradually add more sugar to reach desired consistency.

The colored sprinkles are REQUIRED, I am told, at least according to the kids. So don't forget those too. ;)