Prepare the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Add the Melted Butterscotch Chips:
Stir in the melted butterscotch chips until evenly incorporated into the batter.

Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake the Cupcakes:
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Butterbeer Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the butterscotch pudding mix, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake with the butterbeer frosting. Sprinkle with additional butterscotch chips on top for extra flavor and a touch of magic.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious cupcakes at your next Harry Potter-themed party or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Enjoy the rich butterscotch flavor and the whimsical magic of Butterbeer in every bite!