Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp OOOFlavors Vanilla Cupcake Flavoring

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp OOOFlavors Chocolate Flavoring

Instructions

For the Cupcakes

1. Prepare the oven:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar:

   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Incorporate wet ingredients:

   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and vanilla cupcake flavoring.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

6. Fill and bake:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
   • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

7. Cool completely:

   • Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting

1. Beat the butter:

   • In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

2. Add dry ingredients:

   • Gradually mix in confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder until fully combined.

3. Incorporate liquid ingredients:

   • Add milk and chocolate flavoring. Beat the frosting until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth.

Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Frost the cupcakes:

   • Use a piping bag or a butter knife to frost the cooled cupcakes with the chocolate frosting.

2. Decorate (optional):

   • Garnish with sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or a cherry on top for extra flair.

Pro Tips:

• Ensure your butter is softened for a smooth cupcake batter and frosting.
• For a deeper chocolate flavor in the frosting, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.