Some days, you just need a cupcake. Not a towering three-tiered cake with enough frosting to feed a small village, but a simple, fluffy little cupcake you can hold in one hand while scrolling through your phone with the other. That’s the magic of these vanilla cupcakes. They’re light, tender, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without sending you into a sugar coma. When I first started baking, cupcakes intimidated me more than a full cake. Something about their small size made me think every flaw would be magnified. But I learned pretty quickly that the beauty of cupcakes is in their simplicity. You mix, you pour, you bake, you frost—done. No drama, no stress. And if one comes out looking a little wonky, just eat it before anyone sees. This recipe is my go-to when I want something easy but still homemade. The batter comes together in minutes, and the smell of them baking? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your neighbors jealous. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy Sunday afternoon, or just because your sweet tooth said so, these cupcakes never disappoint.