Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins stand out is the decadent cream cheese filling that creates a rich, tangy center, perfectly balanced with the warm, fragrant cinnamon swirl. The outside has a beautiful golden-brown crust, while the inside remains incredibly soft and moist, making each bite a delicious experience. These muffins are easy to make, and the combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, the smell of cinnamon baking in your kitchen is a treat all on its own.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the filling)
1/4 cup brown sugar (for the filling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Then, add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin.
Top with more muffin batter, covering the cream cheese filling completely.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, and sprinkle this mixture over the top of each muffin.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs).
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the muffin batter for an extra crunch.
Fruit: For a fruity twist, try adding diced apples or berries to the batter.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled muffins for an added touch of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the muffin for 15-20 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to warm through.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these muffins?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different.

2. How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking to the bottom of the muffin?

Make sure to add the cream cheese filling in the middle and top with enough batter to cover it. This helps the filling stay in the center during baking.

3. Can I make these muffins without the cinnamon swirl?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon topping if you prefer, though it adds extra flavor and texture. You could also substitute it with another flavor like nutmeg or cocoa powder.

4. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

You can use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar, but be sure to follow the substitution guidelines for baking as it may affect the texture and taste.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! To double the recipe, just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and ensure you have enough muffin tins for the batter.

6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it will result in denser muffins.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, chocolate chips would pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and cream cheese, adding a rich chocolatey flavor to the muffins.

8. How can I tell when the muffins are done baking?

When the muffins are done, they should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.

9. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative, and it will work well with the recipe.

10. How can I make the muffins extra fluffy?

To make the muffins fluffier, be sure to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Also, using room-temperature ingredients helps achieve the desired texture.

Conclusion

These Luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and spice. They’re an easy yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a brunch gathering, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering muffins in no time.

Luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins combine a rich, creamy center with a warm, aromatic cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins are a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and irresistibly indulgent!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Add a dollop of cream cheese mixture and top with more batter.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the muffins.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Add fruit like diced apples or berries for a fruity twist.
Drizzle a glaze over the muffins for added sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American