Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of these gooey cinnamon cream cheese muffins! With a tender, spiced muffin base and a creamy center, these treats are perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or dessert. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, and optional drizzles take them to the next level of decadence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy filling: The surprise center of sweetened cream cheese is irresistible.
- Perfect texture: Moist, tender muffins with a light crumb.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and common ingredients.
- Customizable toppings: Add your own flair with drizzles or sprinkles.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or browned butter for extra flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Optional Topping:
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
- Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate for drizzling
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners or non-stick spray
- Mixing bowls (large, medium, and small)
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it generously with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter (or browned butter), whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins soft and tender.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with the prepared muffin batter.
- Add a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each muffin.
- Cover the cream cheese filling with more muffin batter, filling the liners about 3/4 full.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle a cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops of the muffins for added sweetness and texture.
Step 8: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for a gooey center, or at room temperature for a firmer texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm in the microwave.
Variations
- Spiced Mix: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper flavor profile.
- Chocolate Delight: Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the muffins.
- Apple Cinnamon Twist: Fold finely diced apples into the batter for an autumn-inspired version.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them on top with the cinnamon sugar.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Browned Butter Bonus: Browning the butter before mixing adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to the muffins.
- Even Filling: Use a small cookie scoop or piping bag for the cream cheese to ensure an even, gooey center.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the muffins, as overbaking can dry them out. They’re done when the tops spring back lightly when touched.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry: “For a beautifully even bake, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature.”
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Gently folding the batter ensures soft, fluffy muffins—avoid overmixing!”
- Claire Saffitz: “Chilling your batter for 20 minutes before baking can help prevent over-spreading and create domed tops.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and creamier filling.
2. Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Of course! The muffins are delicious on their own or with a drizzle of vanilla cream or melted chocolate.
3. Why is my cream cheese filling sinking?
Ensure your batter is thick enough to support the filling. Chilling the batter slightly can help keep the filling in place.
4. Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
5. Can I substitute whole milk?
You can use buttermilk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
These gooey cinnamon cream cheese muffins are the ultimate combination of warm spices and creamy decadence. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!
