Vanilla Cupcakes

Recipe take from The Whimsical Bakehouse by Kaye Hansen and Liv Hansen.

Grease the top of a 12-cup cupcake pan and line it with cupcake liners. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Have all ingredients at room temperature.

Sift into a mixing bowl:

1 3/4 c. plus 2 Tbs. cake flour
3/4 tsp. salt

Add and mix to combine:

1 c. sugar

Add:

1/2 c. plus 2 1/2 tsp. warmed milk (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
2 large eggs
4 oz. (1 stick) very soft unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Beat at low speed with the whisk attachment for one minute. Scrape down the bowl. Raise the speed to medium low and beat for 1 1/2 minutes.

Add:

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Mix at low speed for 30 seconds.

Fill each liner three-quarters full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden. The tops should spring back when pressed lightly.

Yield: 12 cupcakes