Vanilla Cupcakes (princess Edition)

One thing I can say about this vanilla cupcake recipe is so far it's my favorite. I also made vanilla cupcakes for my sons birthday from a different recipe & didn't like them as much as this one. I will post that one under vanilla cupcakes (mickey mouse edition) I think the flavor of these is awesome. The one gripe I have is that they dry out quick so they need to be consumed within 48 hours of making them. or if you like dryer cupcakes then keep them around longer. I made these with my chocolate icing recipe & they ROCKED! I made these princess cupcakes for my nieces party, the crowns are made out of white chocolate, edible pearls & edible glitter. Perfect for any princess!

1/2 cup  unsalted butter at room temperature

2/3 cup granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1 large llemon (outer yellow skin)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup  milk

*Directions*:

Preheat oven to 350 F and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 17-20 minutes or just until set and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. (Do not over bake or the cupcakes will be dry.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost with icing.