Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

The Perfect Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Biting into perfectly soft cinnamon cream cheese muffins that melt in your mouth with incredible richness.

These delectable treats combine classic comfort with unexpected flavor surprises.

Sweet swirls of cream cheese dance through warm cinnamon-infused batter, creating irresistible pockets of gooey goodness.

Fragrant spices whisper promises of cozy morning moments and delightful breakfast experiences.

Humble ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with care and creativity.

Friends and colleagues will marvel at your baking skills after tasting these incredible muffins.

Each tender bite promises pure culinary joy that sparks instant smiles.

Grab your apron and let’s make something extraordinary together!

How To Store And Reheat Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal them carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain their soft texture.
  • Freeze: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen muffins stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat from Refrigerator: Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This keeps the cream cheese filling gooey and restores the muffins' original softness.
  • Thaw Frozen Muffins: Remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. For quicker thawing, microwave on low power for 30-45 seconds.

Tasty Pairings With Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair these gooey cinnamon muffins with a bold espresso or smooth cappuccino to enhance the warm cinnamon notes and complement the creamy texture.
  • Elevate with Tea Selections: Choose a spiced chai latte or vanilla rooibos tea that mirrors the muffins' sweet and aromatic profile, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Match with Breakfast Sides: Serve alongside crispy bacon for a sweet-savory contrast or fresh berries to add a light, tangy element that balances the rich cream cheese filling.
  • Create Dessert Wine Magic: Enjoy with a glass of late harvest Riesling or moscato, whose subtle sweetness and light acidity will beautifully highlight the muffins' decadent cinnamon flavor.

Creative Versions Of Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

  • Chocolate Swirl Cream Cheese Muffins: Add cocoa powder to the batter and create chocolate ribbons by gently swirling melted chocolate through the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top for extra richness.
  • Blueberry Cream Cheese Burst: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the muffin batter before adding the cream cheese center. Swap cinnamon crumble with a light streusel made from oats and almond flour for a fruity version.
  • Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace white sugar with maple syrup in the batter and mix chopped pecans into the crumble topping. Drizzle warm maple glaze over muffins after baking for a nutty, sweet flavor profile.
  • Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Edition: Incorporate finely diced apples into the batter and add a touch of nutmeg to the cream cheese filling. Top with a caramelized apple crumble instead of the traditional cinnamon topping.

FAQs For Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

  • What makes these muffins extra special?

The secret is the cream cheese filling and cinnamon crumble topping, which create a luxurious, gooey center and a crunchy, sweet exterior that takes these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary.

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides the best tangy flavor and tender texture, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick near the edge of the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center). If it comes out clean, your muffins are done. They should be golden brown and have a slight springy top when lightly touched.

  • Is it important to not overmix the batter?

Absolutely! Overmixing can develop gluten and make the muffins tough. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined, leaving some small lumps in the batter for the most tender, soft muffins.

Why You’ll Love Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

  • Burst of Creamy Comfort: Experience a delightful surprise with the rich, smooth cream cheese center that melts in your mouth, creating an unexpected burst of luxurious flavor in every bite.
  • Cinnamon-Spiced Sensation: Enjoy the warm, aromatic cinnamon that weaves through the muffin, delivering a cozy, comforting taste that feels like a hug from your favorite bakery.
  • Quick and Easy Weekend Treat: Whip up these muffins in under an hour, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or spontaneous baking adventures with family and friends.
  • Versatile Breakfast or Snack Champion: Equally delicious warm or at room temperature, these muffins work magic as a morning breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or sweet ending to any meal.

What Goes In Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume for the muffins, choose unbleached flour for best results.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and creates a light texture.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in browning and helps balance the recipe's acidity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the muffin batter.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds slight tanginess to the muffins.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, sweet flavor and aromatic complexity.
  • Melted Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the muffins.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Sugar: Combine to create a smooth, sweet filling with creamy texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Cold Butter: Make a crumbly, sweet topping with rich, caramel-like notes.

Easy Steps For Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a muffin tin and either line it with cute paper cups or give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Center

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these together in a bowl until silky smooth. Set this delightful mixture aside for later magic.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Batter

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, dance the melted butter and sugar together. Gently introduce eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla. Slowly marry the dry and wet ingredients, taking turns with buttermilk. Stir just enough to bring everything together – no aggressive mixing allowed!

Step 4: Create the Crumbly Crown

Ingredients for Crumble Topping:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Cold butter

Toss flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a bowl. Pinch and squeeze the cold butter until the mixture looks like sandy pebbles.

Step 5: Build Your Muffin Masterpiece

Dollop batter halfway into each muffin cup. Drop a spoonful of cream cheese filling right in the center. Cover with more batter until cups are nearly full. Shower each muffin with the crumbly topping like you’re blessing them with deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edge – it should come out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Indulge and Enjoy

Devour these muffins while they’re warm or at room temperature. They’re phenomenal solo or paired with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Pure breakfast bliss awaits!

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Handy Tips

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Prevent Overmixing Mishaps: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, light muffin texture without developing tough gluten.
  • Create Foolproof Cream Cheese Center: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to precisely place the cream cheese filling in the muffin center, ensuring an even distribution of the gooey surprise.
  • Master Crumb Topping Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly with your fingertips to create a crumbly texture that will give a delightful crunch to the muffin's surface.
  • Store and Refresh Like a Pro: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, and briefly warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.
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Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins offer a delightful twist on classic breakfast pastries. Warm spices and creamy filling create a perfect morning companion you’ll crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Topping:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning a rack in the middle of the oven and heating to 375F (190C). Arrange paper liners inside a standard muffin tin or thoroughly coat each cup with cooking spray.
  2. Craft the creamy filling by blending cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until uniformly smooth. Allow mixture to rest at room temperature while preparing other components.
  3. Construct the foundational batter by combining dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon – in a separate mixing vessel. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps.
  4. In a larger bowl, integrate melted butter with granulated sugar using vigorous whisking motions. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until harmonious.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Stir gently to maintain batter’s delicate texture, avoiding excessive manipulation that could develop tough muffins.
  6. Develop the crumbly topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Introduce cold butter cubes, utilizing fingertips to create a coarse, sandy consistency that will provide delightful textural contrast.
  7. Populate muffin cups with batter, filling approximately halfway. Deposit a dollop of cream cheese mixture into each center, then carefully cover with remaining batter until cups reach about three-quarters full.
  8. Liberally distribute crumble topping across each muffin, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum flavor and crunch.
  9. Slide muffin tin into preheated oven, baking for 18-22 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edge – it should emerge clean when muffins are perfectly baked.
  10. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for five minutes, enabling slight cooling and easier removal. Transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and optimal texture development.
  11. Serve these delectable treats warm or at ambient temperature, ideally accompanied by a steaming beverage for a truly indulgent experience.

Notes

  • Softly fold the batter to maintain a light, tender texture and prevent dense, tough muffins.
  • Chill the cream cheese filling for 15 minutes before adding to help it hold its shape and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking, creating a more consistent muffin texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 272
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 215mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 58mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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