Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into the delicious details of making these muffins:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients well.
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center, then top with more batter to cover it completely.
Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with the cinnamon sugar mixture for that extra crunchy sweetness.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (except for the cream cheese center).
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving for an elegant touch.

How to plate and pair

Serving these muffins can be as creative as you want! A great way to present them is on a rustic wooden board, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You could also serve them with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a medley of berries, to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai pairs perfectly with these muffins, creating a comforting and delightful breakfast experience.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To store your delicious muffins, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a warm treat.

Helpful cooking tips

Avoid overmixing after adding the wet and dry ingredients to ensure your muffins stay fluffy.
For an extra moist muffin, consider letting the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking; this helps hydrate the flour.
If you want to make cleanup easier, use a silicone spatula to fill your muffin liners—it’s less messy!

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to mix things up! You could fold in some chopped apples or pecans for a delightful crunch. For a chocolatey twist, incorporate mini chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella into the cream cheese filling. You can also experiment with spices: adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile. If you want to decrease the sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar and use ripe bananas for natural sweetness instead.

Common questions

What is the prep time for these muffins?

Prep time is about 15 minutes, making these muffins perfect for a quick bake.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you need a healthier or dairy-free option.

How can I reheat frozen muffins?

To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm or let them sit out at room temperature for a couple of hours.