If you are craving a treat that perfectly balances fluffy texture with a rich, melting center, you are in for a real delight with this Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. These muffins are wonderfully soft, kissed with fragrant cinnamon, and filled with a luscious cream cheese center that oozes with each bite. Whether you need a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, these muffins bring comfort and joy in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret behind why this Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is both accessible and incredibly delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role—flour provides the sturdy yet tender base, cinnamon adds a cozy warmth, and cream cheese creates that irresistible gooey surprise.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives muffins their perfect crumb and structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps your muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with its warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a tender texture to the batter.
- 1 cup milk: Moistens the muffins, keeping them soft and light.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its sweet and fragrant notes.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for the gooey, creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping): Creates a lovely crunchy crust with extra spice.
- Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzle): Adds an elegant finishing touch and extra indulgence.
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, as these will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting this up first lets you focus on mixing and assembling without rushing later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix will evenly disperse those inviting cinnamon spices throughout your muffins, promising fragrant bites every time.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients separately ensures that your batter stays tender while distributing flavor thoroughly.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Remember not to overmix here; mixing too long can create tough muffins. The batter should be a little lumpy for the best texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe, offering a luscious center that melts delightfully during baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin liner halfway with the batter. Then, add a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center. Cover the filling with more batter, ensuring it’s fully enclosed to prevent leaking during baking.
Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar over each muffin’s top. This forms a crisp, aromatic crust that contrasts beautifully with the moist muffin inside. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted beside the creamy center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Drizzle
Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For an extra special touch, drizzle with vanilla cream or melted white chocolate. This subtle glaze adds a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness that makes these muffins impossible to resist.
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving can add delightful crunch and spice. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely contrast to these sweet, gooey treats.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte. For a more filling breakfast, offer alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or special occasion, serve these muffins on a tiered stand with small bowls of assorted jams and honey on the side. You might also hollow out the center post-bake slightly and fill with fresh fruit preserves for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep their texture soft and moist, so you can enjoy that gooey cream cheese center fresh later.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins for longer storage. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them together in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to two months, perfect for prepping ahead or saving sweet treats for another day.
Reheating
To enjoy your muffins warm, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the gooey cream cheese center and restores their tender crumb perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the richness and creaminess of the gooey center. Full-fat cream cheese delivers the best melt and flavor.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk. Adjust baking times slightly as needed, but they should come out just as delicious.
Why didn’t my muffins rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and you don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make muffins dense and prevent proper rise. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch, and blueberries or diced apples make a lovely fruity twist. Just fold them gently into the batter before assembling the muffins.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking out during baking?
When adding the cream cheese dollop, be sure to cover it completely with batter to seal it in. Filling the liners only halfway before adding cream cheese and topping with more batter helps stop leaks and ensures the perfect gooey center.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that quickly becomes a favorite for all ages. Its comforting cinnamon scent, tender crumb, and rich creamy center make it a standout whether for breakfast or dessert. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing these muffins as much as I do. Once you try them, you might find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat featuring a moist cinnamon-spiced batter with a luscious cream cheese center. Topped with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle and optionally drizzled with vanilla cream or melted white chocolate, they offer the perfect combination of gooey filling and tender crumb, making them a perfect breakfast or dessert option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Topping & Optional Drizzle
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to blend all the wet components.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon batter halfway into each muffin liner, then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin.
- Cover with Batter: Carefully cover the cream cheese with the remaining muffin batter, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Add Topping & Bake: Generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops of the muffins and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted around the edges (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle with vanilla cream or melted white chocolate if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense muffins.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick away from the cream cheese center to get an accurate reading.
- The optional drizzle adds extra sweetness but can be omitted for a lighter treat.
- Use fresh cinnamon sugar for the best flavor on top.
