Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and moist – thanks to the cream cheese filling and buttery batter.
• Easy to make – simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Cinnamon lovers’ dream – warm, aromatic, and comforting.
• Great for any occasion – enjoy them as breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Customizable – add nuts, chocolate chips, or a different topping.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (for topping)
• Optional: White chocolate (melted, for drizzle)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Fill each muffin liner halfway with the batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with more batter to cover the cream cheese.
7. Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories per muffin: 280 kcal

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with dark chocolate instead of white.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
• Fruit Infusion: Fold in small apple chunks or raisins for added sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap muffins individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

How do I keep the cream cheese filling from sinking?

To prevent the filling from sinking, make sure your batter is thick enough and don’t overmix it. Layering batter, filling, and then more batter also helps.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides a richer, creamier texture.

What can I use instead of white chocolate drizzle?

You can drizzle caramel sauce, honey, or even a simple icing glaze instead.

How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, but brown sugar will add a deeper, more caramel-like flavor and make the muffins slightly denser.

Why are my muffins dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make them dry. Always measure flour correctly and check for doneness early.

Can I add a crumb topping?

Absolutely! A simple streusel made of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon would be a great addition.

Can I make mini muffins instead?

Yes, reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.

How do I make the muffins fluffier?

Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and don’t skip the baking powder.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in two muffin tins.

Conclusion

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice and creamy sweetness. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different variations, store them for later, and savor every bite of these delightful muffins.

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

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These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Each muffin hides a creamy, sweetened cream cheese center, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. Topped with cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with white chocolate, these muffins are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup cinnamon sugar mixture (granulated sugar + cinnamon)
• Optional: Melted white chocolate for drizzle

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Make the Batter

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

   • In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

6. Assemble the Muffins

   • Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter.
   • Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center.
   • Cover with additional batter, filling the liners about ¾ full.

7. Add Topping & Bake

   • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the muffins.
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick (inserted into the muffin, not the filling) comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve

   • Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   • Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.

Notes

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with dark chocolate instead.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired muffin.
• Fruit Infusion: Fold in small apple chunks or raisins for extra sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.