Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with a deliciously gooey cream cheese filling and a touch of cinnamon sweetness. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy center that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.

Here’s how to make these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins:

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Make the Muffin Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
   • In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice/vinegar), and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
   • Spoon a small amount of muffin batter (about 1 tablespoon) into the bottom of each muffin cup.
   • Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter, then cover it with another tablespoon of muffin batter.
   • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Drizzle the melted butter over the muffin tops, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
5. Bake the Muffins:
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
   • Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve:
   • Once the muffins are cooled, serve them warm for the gooey, creamy filling to be at its best!

Tips:

• You can add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins before baking for a sweeter, more cinnamon-packed crust.
• These muffins are best served fresh or within a day or two, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For an extra touch, drizzle a little icing over the top after the muffins have cooled.

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are indulgent and flavorful, with the perfect balance of soft, cinnamon-spiced muffin and creamy, sweet filling. Enjoy!