Preheat the oven to 180C and line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed until blended. Add the milk and mix to combine. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until blended. Turn off the mixer, scrape down the bowl, and give the batter a final stir with the spatula.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake until the tops are light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let cool for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cupcake directly to the rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
Using a small icing spatula or pastry bag fitted with a star tip, top the cupcakes with frosting.