If you’re searching for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool morning, look no further than this Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. These muffins boast tender, fluffy cake mingled with pockets of luscious cream cheese swirled with cinnamon—each bite melting smoothly on your tongue. The perfect balance of sweet spice and creamy richness makes these muffins a standout, whether you’re serving a cozy brunch or simply craving a delightful snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is a joy because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend to create magic. Each component plays an essential role, ensuring the muffins come out moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The hearty base that gives structure and tenderness to the muffins.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The rising agent that lifts the muffins to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that pairs deliciously with cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and helps develop a soft texture.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients together and enrich the batter.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates that irresistible gooey center you’ll fall in love with.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: For sprinkling on top, adding a delightful crisp cinnamon sugar crust.
- Optional: white chocolate drizzle or vanilla glaze: A luscious finishing touch that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the heart of the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe, providing those dreamy pockets of richness inside every bite.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This mixture not only flavors your muffins perfectly but ensures the right lift and texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combining these ingredients separately helps maintain the right balance of liquid and fat in your batter, which is crucial for tender, moist muffins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Remember, do not overmix—your batter should remain thick with a few small lumps. This step keeps the muffins light and fluffy while making sure the flavor is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble the Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a standard 12-cup muffin pan by lining it with paper liners or greasing it well. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter, then dollop 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling right into the center. Cover with more batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full. To elevate the final touch, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly atop each muffin for a crackly, sweet crust.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake your muffins for 18-20 minutes until their tops turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near but not in the cream cheese center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, so they finish cooling perfectly.
Step 7: Optional Decoration
Once completely cooled, you can add an optional drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light vanilla glaze to make these muffins even more indulgent and visually inviting. It’s a little extra step that will definitely wow anyone lucky enough to share these treats with you!
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of sparkle, dust your muffins lightly with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts such as pecans for extra texture. Fresh fruit like raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the creamy cinnamon center beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a warming mug of spiced apple cider. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful cloth napkin for a cozy vibe. Or, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant brunch display. You can even hollow out the center a bit extra and fill with fruit preserves or nut butter for a delightful surprise twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve the moist texture, avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these muffins later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your muffins gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that delightful gooeyness. This quick reheating revives their fresh-baked charm and makes them taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the filling might be slightly less rich and creamy. The texture may be a bit firmer, but it will still be delicious.
What is the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese fast, cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power in 10-second increments until soft but not melted.
Can I make these muffins vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk, replace butter with a vegan alternative, and use dairy-free cream cheese. Use a flax or chia seed egg replacer instead of eggs. The texture and flavor will be a little different but still enjoyable.
How can I tell when the muffins are fully baked?
In this Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe, pop a toothpick near the muffin’s edge (not the cream cheese center) into the cake portion. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are done. The tops should be golden but not overly browned.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins would add lovely texture and flavor. Fold about 1/2 cup of your chosen mix-ins into the batter gently before assembling the muffins for a personalized twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe that combines soft cake, warm cinnamon spice, and that luscious cream cheese center. It’s a recipe perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet morning. So, grab your ingredients and make these muffins soon—they’re sure to become a much-loved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, moist, and filled with a luscious cinnamon-spiced cream cheese center. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or an indulgent snack, these muffins combine warm cinnamon flavors with a creamy surprise inside, finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping and an optional drizzle of white chocolate or vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces (170g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- White chocolate drizzle or vanilla glaze (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and pure vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick with slight lumps.
- Assemble the Muffins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter, then add 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each. Cover with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup to about three-quarters full. Optionally, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the edges (not the center filling) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Decoration: Once cooled, you can drizzle the muffins with melted white chocolate or a light vanilla glaze to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing of the filling.
- Avoid inserting a toothpick in the center of the muffins since the cream cheese filling won’t set like the batter.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
- Optional topping adds a nice crunch and sweetness but can be skipped.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese.
