Description

Craving a warm, comforting treat that’s bursting with creamy, cinnamon-spiced goodness? Look no further than Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins! These delightful muffins feature a tender, cinnamon-infused batter with a rich cream cheese filling, topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar sprinkle and an optional white chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure for a tender, fluffy muffin.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and promotes browning.
Baking Powder (1 tbsp): Ensures a good rise for light muffins.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the batter with warm, spicy flavor.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Milk (1 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the batter and add structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet note.

For the Cream Cheese Filling

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich, gooey center with a tangy flavor.
Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the filling smoothly without graininess.

For the Topping

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (1 tbsp): Adds a crunchy, sweet-spicy topping.
White Chocolate (¼ cup, melted, optional): Provides a sweet, decorative drizzle.

Substitutions and Variations

Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to ¾ cup for a less sweet muffin, or use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Butter: Swap for vegetable oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) or buttermilk for a tangier batter.
Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or vegan version.
Topping: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch.
Add-Ins: Fold ½ cup blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter for a fruity or decadent twist.

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- Stir with a whisk or spoon until well mixed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, blend 8 oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to firm up slightly.
Assemble the Muffins:
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter (about 2 tbsp per cup).
- Add a dollop of cream cheese filling (about 1 tsp) to the center of each muffin.
- Cover with more batter, filling each liner about ¾ full to encase the filling.
Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the tops of all muffins.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the batter (avoiding the filling) comes out clean.
- Check for doneness; bake an additional 1–2 minutes if needed.
Cool and Decorate:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- If desired, melt ¼ cup white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl (in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth) and drizzle over the muffins using a spoon or piping bag.
Serve:
- Serve warm for a gooey, melty cream cheese center.
- Enjoy as is or with a spread of butter for extra richness.

Cooking Tips

Prevent Overmixing: Fold the batter gently to avoid dense muffins; a few lumps are okay.
Firm Cream Cheese Filling: If the filling is too runny, chill it briefly to make it easier to dollop.
Even Filling Distribution: Use a small spoon or piping bag for precise cream cheese placement to ensure each muffin has a gooey center.
Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon with 1 tbsp granulated sugar for the topping if not pre-mixed.