In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Separate the eggs, if not done already, and add in the egg whites and vanilla to the butter mixture. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix well. Slowly add in the milk, mixing as you pour, and mix everything until well combined.
½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large egg whites, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ cup milk