Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined.
6. Fill the Liners – Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.
7. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool – Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat the Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
3. Incorporate Cream and Vanilla – Add heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Color the Frosting – Add food coloring for a romantic pink or red hue.
5. Frost the Cupcakes – Pipe or spread frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Sprinkle on Love – Add heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter.
2. Chocolate Drizzle – Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cupcakes for an elegant touch.
3. Fondant or Candy Hearts – Place small fondant hearts or candy on top.
4. Custom Designs – Get creative with piping different frosting patterns.