Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Batter

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
2. Top with 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling.
3. Cover with another tablespoon of batter.

Step 5: Add the Topping

1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle generously over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Enjoy!

1. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar with 3/4 cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing leads to dense muffins.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup chopped apples to the batter.
• Streusel Topping: Use a streusel topping (butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon) for extra crunch.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cloves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

2. Can I Freeze Them?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

3. How to Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

4. Can I Use a Muffin Mix?

Yes, but add the cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee or tea.
• Top with whipped cream.
• Pair with fresh berries.

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a wonderful blend of warm spices, creamy filling, and a sweet, crunchy topping. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!