How do you make cupcakes from scratch?

Making Cupcakes from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe will make about 12 standard-sized cupcakes.

Ingredients:

* Dry Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

* ½ teaspoon baking soda

* ¼ teaspoon salt

* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

* Wet Ingredients:

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

* 2 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/white vinegar)

* Optional Additions:

* 1/2 cup chocolate chips

* 1/2 cup nuts (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

* Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

* In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

* In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a whisk (but it will take longer).

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

* Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry:

* In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice/vinegar).

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in Optional Ingredients:

* If using, gently fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts.

7. Fill the Liners:

* Divide batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.

8. Bake:

* Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Frost:

* Let cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting!

Tips:

* Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.

* Don't overmix the batter, as it can make the cupcakes tough.

* If you are using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment for the creaming and mixing steps.

* You can adjust the sweetness of the cupcakes by using less or more sugar.

* Feel free to experiment with different flavorings.

* If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

* Make sure to cool the cupcakes completely before frosting, otherwise the frosting will melt.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cupcakes!