03Fill cupcake liners (in tins) about 2/3 full, and bake 17-20 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
04Take cupcakes out of muffin tin and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool before frosting.
05Vanilla Buttercream
06Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating for 2 minutes after each addition. Add vanilla and beat until buttercream is smooth.
07Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with sugar pearls, if desired.