Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, beat white sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, eggs, and 2 teaspoons lemon extract together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add baking powder and salt, and beat until well combined. (Mixing time: 5-7 minutes)

Recipe View Slowly mix in the flour, alternating with cold milk, into the butter mixture until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. (Mixing and filling time: 8-10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. (Baking time: 15-20 minutes)

Recipe View For the frosting, beat 3 tablespoons softened butter, 2 teaspoons lemon extract, and 1 teaspoon milk together until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add more milk if needed to thin it out. (Frosting time: 5-7 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread the lemon frosting evenly onto each cupcake. For a decorative touch, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest. (Frosting application: 5-10 minutes)