How to Make Orange Cupcakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). First, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for later.

3. Fold the butter with the sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be accomplished using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk.

4. Combine eggs and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar have been thoroughly blended, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.

5. Grate and squeeze:  grab a thick-peeled orange and grate one tablespoon into a bowl. Then, in another small bowl, squeeze half a cup of orange juice.  

6. Mix your wet and dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients in the same bowl you grated your orange zest in. Make sure to not overmix your batter, this can result in a dense batter.

7. Add extra color or flavoring (optional):  If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring to the batter as an extra touch to your orange cupcakes. 

8. Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This will allow room for the cupcakes to rise as they bake.

9. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean. Keep an eye on your little bundles of goodness to prevent overbaking.

10. Rest and cool: After your cupcakes have fully baked, take the cupcakes out of the oven and let them cool in the muffin tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once chilled, top the cupcakes with your favorite icing or eat them as is. Some options for toppings are: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, melted marshmallows, and orange syrup.