Mini Vanilla Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Line muffin cups with liners.
3. 3
   Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
4. 4
   Stir together milk and vanilla in a small bowl.
5. 5
   Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
6. 6
   Add egg and beat until just combined.
7. 7
   Reduce speed to low, then add flour and milk mixtures alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour and mixing until just combined.
8. 8
   Divide batter among muffin cups, filling them two-thirds full, and bake until tops are pale golden and a wooden pick or skewer inserted in centers comes out clean, about 15 minutes.
9. 9
   Invert cupcakes onto a rack and cool completely.
10. 10
    For each color, transfer 1/4 cup buttercream to a separate small bowl and tint with food coloring (if using), then frost tops of cupcakes.
11. 11
    *Wilton Paste Food Coloring available at wilton.com.