The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Whisking together classic bakery magic and home-style cinnamon cream cheese muffins creates an irresistible morning treat.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising delectable rewards.

Soft, pillowy textures melt perfectly against warm, spiced notes.

Humble ingredients combine into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Comfort baking doesn’t require professional skills – just genuine passion.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between tangy cream cheese and warm cinnamon swirls.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of these delectable breakfast companions.

Why Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Warm the Soul

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these muffins require basic mixing techniques that even beginners can master confidently.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon and creamy texture, these muffins guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike during breakfast or snack time.
• Quick Morning Magic: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can have delicious homemade muffins ready in under an hour, making them ideal for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
• Versatile Treat Potential: Adaptable for various occasions like brunch gatherings, school lunches, potlucks, or simple weekend family breakfasts with minimal fuss.

What Goes Into Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the muffin that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm and aromatic spice to the muffin batter.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the muffins.
• Butter: Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the muffins' texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the muffins.

• Cinnamon, Sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a sweet and spiced crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional garnish that adds an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Gear

Get your oven warmed up to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with cute paper liners or give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Make sure everything is perfectly blended and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream the Base Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth. This should take about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Carefully add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture looks silky and combined.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t go crazy with mixing or your muffins might turn tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Magical Topping

• Topping sugar
• Ground cinnamon

This will be your flavor-packed sprinkle.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups

Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise and become beautifully puffy.

Step 8: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Magic

Generously dust the top of each unbaked muffin with your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a delightful, crispy topping.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Rest

Let the muffins hang out in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Final Flourish (Optional)

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled muffins with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Top Tips for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Prevent Dry Muffins: Use room temperature ingredients and mix just until combined to maintain moisture and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of almond extract alongside vanilla for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Create Smooth Batter: Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened before creaming to achieve a silky, lump-free mixture.
• Customize Texture: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added crunch and extra flavor variation.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle to test for moist crumbs, avoiding overbaking which can dry out the muffins.

Fun Flavor Twists for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Nutty Crunch Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter and sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Berry Blast Muffins: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries into the batter, creating bursts of fruity flavor throughout the muffins.
• Chocolate Chip Dream Muffins: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter, giving a rich chocolatey dimension to the classic cinnamon cream cheese muffins.
• Maple Pecan Fusion: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup and add a drizzle of maple glaze on top, complemented by toasted pecans for a warm, autumnal taste.

Perfect Pairings for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Dark roast coffee cuts through the muffins' creamy sweetness, creating a perfect morning breakfast match with robust flavor intensity.
• Vanilla Latte Delight: Smooth, silky vanilla latte complements the cinnamon's warmth and echoes the muffin's rich cream cheese undertones.
• Chai Tea Pairing: Spiced chai tea mirrors the cinnamon notes, enhancing the muffin's aromatic profile with its complex, layered warmth.
• Fresh Berry Sidekick: Tart mixed berries or a small raspberry compote provide a bright, tangy contrast to the muffins' sweet, creamy texture.

Storing Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins With Ease

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
• Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain soft and moist away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste and texture.

FAQs for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese without significantly changing the muffin’s texture or taste. Just ensure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing.

• How do I prevent my muffins from being dry?

Do not overmix the batter and check your baking time. Remove muffins from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to maintain moisture.

• Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer helps create a smoother batter and incorporates air, you can use a whisk and mix by hand. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and cream cheese is soft.

• Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35-37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon cream cheese muffins deliver pure morning comfort with delightful spiced swirls. Warm, fragrant pastries promise sweet satisfaction for breakfast companions craving classic bakery pleasures.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping/Garnish:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and avoiding overmixing.
6. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for sprinkling.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of each unbaked muffin.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
10. Remove from the oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Prevent dense muffins by gently folding dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stopping as soon as they’re combined to maintain a light, tender texture.
• Achieve consistent sizing by using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to evenly distribute batter into muffin cups.
• Enhance moisture by substituting sour cream or Greek yogurt for half the butter, creating a richer, more tender crumb.
• Adapt for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour blend, dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and coconut sugar for a more allergen-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 266
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 183 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg