Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting and decorating as desired.