Baking Red Velvet Cupcakes for Valentine’s can be a smooth process if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, sugar, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well-blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full with the batter.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cooling: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Frosting: Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with cream cheese frosting.
9. Optional Decorations: Add sprinkles or edible flowers for a romantic touch.

These steps will guide you perfectly to create delightful Red Velvet Cupcakes for Valentine’s!