Beat the butter and sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time beating well between each addition. Fold through the flour and milk until combined. Spoon into 12 x 1/3 cup capacity patty paper lined muffin pans.
Bake in a moderate oven 180oC for 15-20 minutes or until cooked when tested. Stand 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack. Cool.
Spreador pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes then decorate as desired. Serve immediately.