Short Description

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful combination of warm cinnamon flavor, a rich cream cheese filling, and a soft, moist texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins offer a comforting blend of spice and sweetness that will make them a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese creates a delicious balance of warmth and tanginess.
The gooey center makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Great for meal prepping—make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Can be customized with different add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
Cover with additional muffin batter until the cups are about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
Maple Flavor: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins accessible to everyone.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover muffins 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 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.
Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their fresh, gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick enough and do not overmix. Adding a small amount of batter before and after the filling helps keep it in place.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of texture and nutrition.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for this recipe?

Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.

Can I make mini muffins instead?

Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time to around 12-15 minutes.

What can I use instead of granulated sugar?

Coconut sugar or honey can be used as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center). If it comes out clean, they are ready.

Can I add fruit to these muffins?

Yes, small diced apples or raisins would complement the cinnamon flavor well.

Can I use a muffin mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes, you can use a store-bought muffin mix and add the cream cheese filling for a shortcut version.

What’s the best way to get an even amount of cream cheese in each muffin?

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to measure out equal portions of the filling.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a perfect blend of warm spices, creamy filling, and soft texture. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go treat, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try different variations to make them your own, and enjoy every delicious bite!