Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

Want simple yet wonderfully-sweet and buttery cupcakes? Well, here you are! These are so easy to make and particularly luscious with lemon icing on top. Follow this off-the-hook amazing recipe to achieve perfect cupcakes everytime, and freeze the leftovers for next time!

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients (Vanilla Cupcakes)

1 and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

1 and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1/2 cup full fat sour cream

Ingredients (Lemon Icing)

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

3 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

(Vanilla Cupcakes)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second muffin pan with 2 liners (this recipe will make 14 cupcakes). Set aside. 

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl using a hand-held mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Add in the sour cream and mix until fully combined.

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, making sure not to over mix the batter.

5. Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them a little over half way full. You should end up with exactly 14 cupcakes. 

6. Bake in separate batches at 350F for 18-22 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Remove all of the cupcakes from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Instructions:

(Lemon Icing) 

1. Combine the butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and confectioner's sugar and beat until light and frothy. Add more confectioner's sugar, or lemon juice to adjust the consistency as needed.