Introduction:

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion. With a rich cinnamon flavor, a sweet, creamy center of cream cheese, and a hint of melted white chocolate drizzle, these muffins are soft, gooey, and irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they are sure to impress family and friends with their decadent flavor and moist texture. They come together quickly and make 12 wonderfully spiced muffins. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon!

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

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

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture (mix 1 tablespoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon)

Optional:

• ¼ cup white chocolate, melted for drizzle

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease the muffin cups if you prefer not to use liners.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The melted butter will add richness, while the eggs help bind the batter.

Step 4: Mix the batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—overmixing can result in tough muffins. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the cream cheese filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar using a hand mixer or a whisk. Mix until the cream cheese is smooth and creamy, with no lumps of powdered sugar. This sweet cream cheese filling will create the gooey center of each muffin.

Step 6: Fill the muffin cups

Fill each muffin liner halfway with the prepared batter. Then, place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin. Use the remaining batter to cover the cream cheese filling, making sure the filling is enclosed by the batter. The muffins will bake around the cream cheese center, creating a gooey surprise inside.

Step 7: Add the cinnamon sugar topping

Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This topping will add a deliciously sweet and crunchy layer to each muffin, enhancing the overall cinnamon flavor.

Step 8: Bake the muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (but not into the cream cheese center) comes out clean. This ensures that the muffins are fully baked while keeping the cream cheese filling soft and gooey.

Step 9: Cool the muffins

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack will prevent the muffins from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Step 10: Drizzle with white chocolate (optional)

If you want to add an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the cooled muffins with melted white chocolate. To do this, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, then use a spoon to drizzle it over the tops of the muffins. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Cooking Note:

• Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating with powdered sugar to avoid lumps. You can leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
• Muffin Storage: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving to enjoy them warm.

Serving Suggestions:

• These muffins are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
• They are also perfect for brunch spreads, paired with fresh fruit and other baked goods.

Tips:

1. Don’t Overfill: Make sure to leave enough space in the muffin cups after adding the cream cheese filling to cover it with batter so it doesn’t ooze out during baking.
2. Add-ins: For a twist, you can mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
3. Spice Variation: If you want an extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
4. Freezing Option: You can freeze these muffins after baking and cooling. Just wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds before serving.
5. Healthier Version: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, and use a sugar substitute for a lighter version of these muffins without sacrificing flavor.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per muffin):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion:

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate comfort treat, filled with warm cinnamon flavors and a surprise cream cheese center that’s rich and tangy. They’re quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for a weekend breakfast or a simple dessert. Plus, the option of adding white chocolate drizzle makes them feel extra special. Whether you’re baking for your family, a gathering, or just yourself, these muffins will be a hit!

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