- 2 1/2 ounces (70g) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons milk
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop or spoon for shaping cupcakes
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Parchment paper or liners
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment paper or cupcake liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients**
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract on low speed.
- Slowly add half of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
- Stir in the orange juice, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Finally, fold in 3 tablespoons of milk until just combined.
5. **Fill Cupcake Molds**
- Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
6. **Bake and Cool**
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
7. **Frosting (Optional)**
- For an extra dreamy touch, prepare your favorite orange frosting and pipe over each cooled cupcake. A simple whipped cream or ganache would also work wonderfully!
#### Tips for Success:
- **Use Fresh Orange Zest:** The zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- **Adjust Sugar Amounts:** If you prefer less sweet cupcakes, reduce sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- **Store Properly:** Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and remove from fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these delightful orange cupcakes as a sweet treat or dessert! The combination of tender batter, zesty orange flavor, and optional frosting makes them perfect for any celebration. Experiment with different flavors by adding other citrus zest like lemon or lime for variety. Happy baking!
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