Mean Chef's Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes

I adopted this recipe, which was originally submitted by Mean Chef. Mean's original comment: "From Sunset Magazine"

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 6  tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1  cup sugar, plus
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2⁄3 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Beat butter and all the sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla and beat on high speed until well blended.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. With mixer on low speed, add one third of the flour mixture, followed by a third of the buttermilk – repeat, alternating in thirds. When all the flour is incorporated beat mixture on medium speed just until well blended.
4. Fill paper-lined or buttered muffin cups (1/3-cup capacity) about three-fourths full with batter (about 1/4 cup in each).
5. Bake in a 350° oven until tops spring back when lightly touched in the center, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on racks 5 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.
6. Decorate with your favorite frosting.