Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Wet & Dry:
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix gently, then add the milk. Finish with the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated (do not overmix for fluffy cupcakes).

Fill & Sprinkle:
Scoop the batter into the liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of coarse sugar in the center for a subtle crunch and bakery look.

Bake:
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Serve:
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.

Tips & Variations

• For a keto recipe variation, you may replace the flour with almond flour and sugar with erythritol for low-carb cupcakes.

• Add lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus note.

• Frost with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or enjoy them plain with coffee.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

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• Yield: 12 fluffy vanilla cupcakes

Tools Used

• 12-cup muffin pan

• Cupcake liners

• Mixing bowls

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• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Ice cream scoop for even batter distribution

• Cooling rack

Final Thoughts

These fluffy bakery-style vanilla cupcakes are everything you need for your next sweet craving: moist, light, and versatile for any occasion. By following this detailed recipe, you will achieve the perfect dome, softness, and a gentle vanilla aroma every time you bake.