i haven't baked in a while (probably since snowflake cupcakes) and that's because my repeating new years resolution: lose weight this year! but anyways, i thought it would be fun to bake some cupcakes and give them away to friends and family for valentine's day. they are vanilla cupcakes with sprinkles cream cheese frosting.

cont. reading for this cupcake recipe

these are my secret craft weapon for those cupcake tags on top. i made a template file for these 1" circles on my computer, design, and print them out. after that, i punch each of them out with plain circle or scallop edge circle punch. then i punch a 1/16th hole with the hole punch on top and bottom for the tooth pick. you put tooth pick thru and you are done! they are pretty easy to make and fun decoration :)

++ FROSTING ++

8 oz cream cheese
4 oz butter
3¾ cups confectioner's sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
few drops of red food coloring (optional)

1. cream the butter, cheese and salt in a stand mixer until light and fluffy
2. gradually add the sugar until incorporated, then add the vanilla and food coloring (optional).

++ VANILLA CUPCAKES ++
makes 1 dozen (actually made a little over 20 for me)

1½ sticks unsalted butter
1¾ cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
2½ teaspoons baking powder
2½ cups flour
1¼ cups milk

1. preheat over to 375 degrees. adjust oven rack to middle position. line standard muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

2. to make cupcakes: In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. beat in eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder. add flour in 3 batches, alternating with milk.beat at low speed for 30 seconds or until mixture is smooth and satiny.

3. divide batter evenly among cups. bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are pale gold and toothpick or skewer inserted into center comes out clean. cool on wire rack for 45 minutes or until at room temperature.