Soft Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

The Ultimate Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Whipping up delectable soft cinnamon cream cheese muffins brings pure joy to my morning routine.

Mornings sparkle with anticipation when these fragrant treats emerge from the oven.

My kitchen fills with warmth and sweet aromatic promises of delightful bites.

cinnamon swirls create magical patterns through tender, pillowy dough that melts effortlessly.

cream cheese adds luxurious richness, creating a perfect balance of softness and flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that makes you smile.

These muffins will definitely become your new favorite breakfast companion.

What Makes Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins So Gooey

What Makes Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins So Gooey
  • Savor Homemade Comfort: These muffins deliver pure bakery-style indulgence straight from your own kitchen with minimal effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to personalize the recipe according to your taste preferences.
  • Master Bakery-Level Treats: Beginner bakers can achieve professional-looking muffins that taste incredibly rich and decadent with simple mixing techniques.
  • Perfect for Any Gathering: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or casual dessert moments that call for a sweet, creamy treat everyone will adore.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure to the muffins.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice flavor to the muffin base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the muffin batter.
  • Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffin's structure.
  • Whole Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic notes.
Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling that adds moisture and decadence.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps create a smooth texture.
Optional Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, decorative finish to the muffins.

How to Bake Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

How to Bake Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Space

Fire up your oven to 350F and grab a muffin tin. Give the tin a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and sugar until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend these delicious wet ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar until it becomes silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Create Muffin Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir just until combined – don’t go crazy mixing or your muffins might turn tough.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute batter into the muffin tin:
  • Fill each cup halfway with batter
  • Add a generous dollop of cream cheese filling
  • Top with remaining batter until cups are about three-quarters full

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Pro tip: A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean, but the center might still look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.

For extra decadence, dust with powdered sugar glaze if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Success

Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Success
  • Stir wet and dry ingredients gently to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Add cream cheese filling in layers for beautiful marbling and consistent flavor throughout each bite.
  • Let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending and better rise.
  • Check doneness by testing edges with a toothpick – edges should be set while center remains slightly soft for ultimate gooey texture.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Variations for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich cinnamon flavor.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Version: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacer to create a dairy-free option.
  • Nutty Cinnamon Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture and a nutty complexity to the original recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the muffins' signature gooey texture.

Best Pairings for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Pair these gooey muffins with a rich, smooth cappuccino or latte, where the coffee’s bold flavor complements the sweet, creamy cream cheese filling.

Steep a spiced chai tea that echoes the cinnamon notes in the muffins, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and comfort.

Serve alongside a cold, creamy vanilla milkshake that balances the muffins’ warm spices and provides a delightful temperature contrast.

Top the muffins with a light caramel sauce that enhances the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors, adding a luxurious touch to the dessert.

Storage Advice for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm individual muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to preserve soft texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese without significantly affecting the recipe’s texture or taste.

  • How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Lightly coat the cream cheese dollop with a thin layer of flour before adding it to the batter to help it stay suspended during baking.

  • Is it okay to use whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the muffins might become slightly denser and less fluffy.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to create a gluten-free version of these muffins.

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Soft Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Soft Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon cream cheese muffins bring warmth and comfort straight from your kitchen. Sweet spices and creamy texture promise delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Muffin Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Ingredient:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Optional Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for glaze

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven at 350F (175C) and delicately coat muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Blend dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar – in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. In a separate vessel, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and pure vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
  4. Separately, whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  5. Carefully fold wet ingredients into dry mixture, maintaining a gentle touch to prevent overworking the batter, which could result in dense muffins.
  6. Distribute initial batter layer into muffin cups, filling approximately halfway.
  7. Strategically place a generous cream cheese dollop in the center of each partially filled cup.
  8. Complete muffin cups by adding remaining batter, ensuring they reach about three-quarters full.
  9. Slide muffin tin into preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and a toothpick test revealing slightly moist center.
  10. Allow muffins to rest in tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack.
  11. Optional: Embellish with a delicate powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Gentle mixing prevents tough muffins by avoiding gluten development, ensuring a tender, soft texture.
  • Cream cheese filling works best when softened at room temperature, creating smooth, lump-free swirls throughout the muffin.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar for a less indulgent version or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for dietary variations.
  • Enhance nutrition by substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber and protein.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 264 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 143 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 51 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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