Celebration Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Place paper baking cups into muffin pans; set aside.
3. 3
   Stir together flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl; set aside.
4. 4
   Beat sugar and 3/4 cup butter in another bowl at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until creamy.
5. 5
   Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. 6
   Add 1 tablespoon vanilla.
7. 7
   Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating at low speed after each addition, just until mixed.
8. 8
   Divide batter evenly among paper baking cups.
9. 9
   Bake 23-28 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
10. 10
    Let stand 10 minutes in pans; remove to cooling racks.
11. 11
    Cool completely.
12. 12
    Beat 3/4 cup butter in large bowl at medium speed until creamy.
13. 13
    Gradually add powdered sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt alternately with half & half and 1 teaspoon vanilla, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
14. 14
    Stir in corn syrup.
15. 15
    Frost cupcakes.
16. 16
    Variations: Chocolate Frosting: Add 2 to 3 squares melted and cooled unsweetened baking chocolate.
17. 17
    Lemon or Orange Frosting: Stir in 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon or orange zest.
18. 18
    Creamy Coconut Frosting: Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract or flavoring.