Preparing the Batter
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional add-ins).
Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with the batter.
Baking the Cupcakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
