Super-Duper Vanilla {or Funfetti} Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 cup

whole milk (237 ml), at room temperature

large egg whites (120 g), at room temperature

egg, whole, at room temperature

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

almond extract

3 cups

cake flour, sifted

1 1/2 cups

vanilla sugar (300 g)

1 tbsp

+ 1 teaspoon baking powder (19.5 g)

3/4 tsp

salt (5 g)

6 tbsp

unsalted butter, softened but cool, and cut into cubes

6 tbsp

vegetable shortening (I used Crisco)

1/2 cup

Rainbow Jimmies or Confetti Quins

3 sticks

+ 2 tablespoons (375 g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes

3 1/2 cups

confectioners’ sugar, sifted

3 tbsp

milk

1 tbsp

pure vanilla extract

1 pinch

salt

medley of sprinkles for decorating