Irresistibly Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

My weekend baking experiments with gooey cinnamon cream cheese muffins always spark pure kitchen joy.

Sweet aromas drift through rooms, making everyone pause and smile.

Kitchen counters become magical spaces where simple ingredients dance together.

Soft cream cheese swirls create delightful pockets of unexpected richness within each tender crumb.

Warm spices whisper comfort and nostalgia with every single bite.

Comfort meets creativity in these irresistible morning treats that make breakfast feel like a celebration.

You will want to savor every delectable morsel of this delightful morning surprise.

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins—The Best Comfort Food

• Whip Up Quickly: Requires minimal prep and basic baking skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a delightful treat without complex techniques.
• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: The cream cheese filling adds a luxurious, rich surprise in the center, transforming ordinary muffins into a decadent breakfast or snack.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Cinnamon sugar topping and warm spices create an irresistible aroma that appeals to both kids and adults, making these muffins a guaranteed hit at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Delight: Serve as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert – these muffins adapt perfectly to any mealtime or occasion, ensuring everyone gets a taste of homemade goodness.

Everything Needed for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the muffins' golden color.
• Baking Powder: Creates a light and fluffy rise in the muffin batter.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the cream cheese filling.

• Butter: Offers rich flavor and moisture to the muffin batter.
• Milk: Helps to create a smooth and tender muffin texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet depth of flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet filling that adds richness to the center of the muffins.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A classic topping that adds extra sweetness and a crunchy texture.
• White Chocolate: An optional drizzle that provides additional sweetness and visual appeal.

Stepwise Instructions for Gooey Muffin Goodness

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 375°F (190°C).

Grab a muffin tray and line it with cute paper liners that’ll cradle your delicious treats.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking like a delightful powder mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything together until it looks glossy and uniform.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold your wet ingredients into the dry blend.

Use a light touch to prevent overmixing – you want the batter to be just combined with a few tiny lumps.

Step 5: Craft the Cream Cheese Magic

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar

Stir until you have a dreamy, smooth paste that’ll make your muffins extraordinary.

Step 6: Build Your Muffin Layers

Spoon batter into each liner, filling halfway.

Drop a generous dollop of cream cheese filling right in the center.

Cover with another layer of batter until the liner is about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Topping

Shower the muffin tops with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar mixture for that irresistible crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 9: Cool and Embellish

Let the muffins rest in the tin for a few minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Filling and Baking Cream Cheese Muffins

• Stir the batter gently to keep muffins tender and avoid tough, dense textures.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to create a smooth, easy-to-spread filling.
• Don't overbake muffins; check at 18 minutes to maintain a gooey, soft center.
• Toast ground cinnamon briefly in a dry pan to intensify its warm, rich taste before adding to the recipe.
• Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve freshness.

Cinnamon Muffin Swaps for New Flavors

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the muffin's rich texture and cinnamon flavor.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a completely plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the muffins' delicious taste and soft consistency.
• Chocolate Lover's Remix: Add dark chocolate chips to the batter and use cocoa powder in the cinnamon sugar topping for a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination that elevates the original recipe.

Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins for Breakfast

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a delightful morning treat that warms both hands and heart.
• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy brunch spread.
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pack these muffins in a lunch box or enjoy with an afternoon herbal tea for a comforting midday snack that beats afternoon hunger.
• Gift-Worthy Delight: Wrap a few muffins in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows you care, perfect for neighbors or breakfast hosts.

Best Storage Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese filling from spoiling.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place muffins on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore original texture and prevents soggy edges.

FAQs

• Are the muffins too sweet?

The cream cheese and cinnamon sugar balance the sweetness, creating a rich but not overpowering flavor profile.

• Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that maintains a similar texture.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Coat the cream cheese filling with a little flour before adding it to the muffin batter to help it stay suspended during baking.

• Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature eggs and milk help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more consistent muffin texture.

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy cinnamon cream cheese muffins deliver a delightful morning surprise with their rich, swirled filling and tender crumb. Warm spices and silky cream cheese create a comforting breakfast treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture
• Optional: 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a muffin tray with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Whisk melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate container until the wet ingredients are thoroughly integrated and smooth.
4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the liquid mixture, folding gently until just combined without overmixing.
5. Cream together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
6. Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter, carefully place a central dollop of cream cheese filling, then cover completely with remaining batter.
7. Generously dust the muffin tops with prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide the muffin tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the tops turn golden and a inserted tester emerges clean.
9. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for several minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack, optionally drizzling with melted white chocolate before serving warm.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring smoother batter and more even baking.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense muffins; stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Customize the recipe by substituting gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or using Greek yogurt instead of milk for extra protein.
• Create make-ahead magic by preparing the dry and wet mixtures separately the night before, storing them refrigerated, and combining just before baking for fresh morning muffins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg