Making the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth using an electric mixer on medium (about four minutes).Oprah.com: Vanilla Cupcakes6 MarthaStewart.com: Vanilla Cupcakes5
While continuing to mix at medium speed, slowly add the sugar (about 1 tablespoon at a time).Oprah.com: Vanilla Cupcakes6 About.com: Vanilla Cupcakes 4
Continue to beat until light and fluffy (about three minutes).Recipezaar: Very Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe9 Food Network.com: Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcake Recipe 3
Add eggs one at a time.Food Network.com: Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcake Recipe 3Beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.Oprah.com: Vanilla Cupcakes6
Beat in vanilla extract.MarthaStewart.com: Vanilla Cupcakes5
Continue to beat on medium-low speed.Oprah.com: Vanilla Cupcakes6
Alternately beat in the flour mixture and the milk beginning and ending with flour.Recipezaar: Very Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe9 MarthaStewart.com: Vanilla Cupcakes5
After each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated.Food Network.com: Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcake Recipe 3
Don't overmix your batter because it will make your cupcakes chewy.CupcakeRecipes.com: Top Ten Tips for Baking a Perfect Cupcake10