If you’ve ever dreamed of a warm, soft muffin that’s bursting with cozy, cinnamon-sugar swirls and a creamy, dreamy center, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffin recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Trust me, these muffins are pure comfort in every bite. The perfect balance of cinnamon and cream cheese takes your taste buds on a journey, and they make your kitchen smell like a bakery on a chilly morning. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or sharing them with family, these muffins will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get ready for a recipe that’s both simple and scrumptious. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re looking for a treat to brighten up your day, want to impress your friends at a brunch, or simply indulge in a sweet little snack for yourself, these muffins are a total game-changer. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:
Versatile: These muffins are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a special dessert. They’re ideal for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or serving them at a gathering.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—most of what you need is probably already sitting in your kitchen. That means more time to enjoy them and less time running errands!
Quick and Easy: No complex steps here. From prep to plate, you’ll have these muffins ready in no time, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves a soft, cinnamon-y muffin with that surprise creamy filling. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these irresistible muffins:
Flour: The base for these muffins—keeps them soft and light.
Sugar: Sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the cinnamon.
Baking Powder: For that perfect rise!
Salt: A pinch to bring all the flavors together.
Cinnamon: The star spice that gives these muffins their cozy, warm aroma.
Eggs: Adds richness and helps the muffins come together beautifully.
Milk: A little liquid to keep things moist and tender.
Vanilla Extract: To give your muffins a touch of sweetness and depth.
Cream Cheese: The secret creamy filling that makes these muffins extra special.
Butter: For richness and flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these melt-in-your-mouth muffins? Let’s get baking:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown top.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This simple step combines the dry ingredients, making sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens, bringing moisture and flavor to the muffins.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your muffins might turn out dense. You want a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup. Then, add a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin, followed by a little more batter on top. You’ll want to make sure the cream cheese is hidden inside for that dreamy filling.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a bit of gooey cream cheese!). Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time!
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. But if you can’t wait, dig in while they’re still warm—trust me, they’re amazing that way.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
These muffins are so good on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few extra touches:
Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of your favorite brew goes hand in hand with the warm spices in these muffins.
Fresh Fruit: A side of sliced strawberries or citrus fruits will add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the muffins.
Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream on top can turn these muffins into a decadent treat.
Yogurt: For a lighter, creamy side, a dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt pairs beautifully with these muffins.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: If you’re pressed for time, you can prep the dry ingredients the night before. Just mix everything together and store it in an airtight container.
Spice It Up: While cinnamon is the star here, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re going dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy version, and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re even better the next day!
Double the Batch: These muffins freeze wonderfully. Make a double batch, freeze half, and enjoy them on busy mornings!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just as well in these muffins, though it may be slightly less creamy.
Q2: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze them for up to a month.
Q4: Can I add raisins or nuts to the batter?
A4: Of course! Add some raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor.
Q5: Can I use frozen cream cheese?
A5: It’s best to use softened cream cheese, but if you’ve got frozen cream cheese, just let it thaw and soften before using it.
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or bake them in batches.
Q7: Can I make these ahead of time?
A7: Yes, these muffins are great for making ahead. You can prepare them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning or store them in an airtight container for a few days.
Q8: How can I make these muffins even more indulgent?
A8: Drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?
A9: Reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Q10: Can I freeze the muffins?
A10: Yes! These muffins freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a must-try! With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy filling, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with friends, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins! A cinnamon-spiced muffin with a creamy center, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crunch. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime treats.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Topping:
- Cinnamon sugar (to sprinkle)
- Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. - Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. - Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling, then top with more batter until the liners are about ¾ full. - Add the Topping
Sprinkle the tops generously with cinnamon sugar. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the center filling) comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Allow muffins to cool slightly before drizzling with vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional). Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg