These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a heavenly treat, combining a soft, spiced muffin with a gooey, sweet cream cheese center. Topped with a cinnamon glaze, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. The warm cinnamon flavors pair perfectly with the creamy filling for a decadent experience.
Ingredients:
- For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with nonstick spray. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk until fully incorporated. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. - Assemble the Muffins:
Spoon a small amount of batter into the bottom of each muffin cup (about one-third full). Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of each. Top with more muffin batter to cover the cream cheese, filling the muffin cups about two-thirds full. - Bake the Muffins:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin portion comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Cinnamon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the muffins warm for the ultimate gooey cream cheese center, and enjoy their irresistible flavor!
Additional Tips (Serving & Storage):
- Serving: These muffins are best served slightly warm to enjoy the gooey cream cheese center. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy that gooey texture again.
FAQs About Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins:
- Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! You can freeze the muffins (without glaze) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze before serving. - Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese filling with a fruit jam or even Nutella for a different twist. - How do I prevent the muffins from overflowing?
Be sure to fill the muffin cups only about two-thirds full. Overfilling may cause the muffins to overflow during baking. - Can I make these muffins without buttermilk?
Yes! You can use regular milk, or make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Conclusion:
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are an indulgent treat, combining soft cinnamon muffins with a luscious cream cheese center and a sweet glaze on top. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion when you want something cozy and comforting.