Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

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Imagine biting into a warm, golden muffin with a crisp exterior, only to reveal a luscious, gooey cinnamon-spiced cream cheese center. Each bite is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy cake infused with hints of vanilla and brown sugar, balanced perfectly with the rich, tangy cream cheese filling. To top it off, a smooth cinnamon glaze drizzles over the muffin, adding an irresistible layer of sweetness that melts in your mouth.

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving them as a comforting after-dinner indulgence, these muffins offer the ideal blend of cozy spices and creamy richness. Best of all, they are easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite!

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Why You’ll Love These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Irresistibly Soft & Moist – The muffins have a tender crumb with just the right amount of fluffiness.
• Gooey Cream Cheese Filling – The surprise inside adds a deliciously creamy contrast to the muffin’s texture.
• Warm Cinnamon Flavor – The spice brings a comforting aroma and taste to every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these muffins beginner-friendly.
• Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or even a caramel drizzle for an extra special touch.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking, it’s essential to have the right tools to ensure your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins turn out perfectly.

• Muffin Tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin is necessary to shape and bake the muffins evenly.
• Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a few bowls: one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients, and another for the cream cheese filling.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk – An electric mixer helps blend the batter smoothly, but a sturdy whisk works too.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precise measurements are key to achieving the right texture.
• Spatula – Useful for folding ingredients together without overmixing.
• Piping Bag or Spoon – To neatly add the cream cheese filling into the muffin batter.
• Cooling Rack – Helps cool the muffins evenly after baking.

Having these tools ready will make the baking process more efficient and enjoyable!

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Preparation Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Create a Well for the Filling – When adding the cream cheese filling, make a small well in the batter to ensure the filling stays in the center.
• Fill Muffin Cups Evenly – This ensures they bake uniformly and look great.
• Check for Doneness Properly – Insert a toothpick into the muffin part (not the filling); if it comes out clean, they’re done.
• Cool Before Removing – Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent breaking.

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Ingredients for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

For the Muffin Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create muffins that are soft, spiced, and filled with creamy goodness!

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Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
2. Set aside for filling the muffins.

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Step 3: Assemble the Muffins

1. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
2. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.
3. Cover with more muffin batter, filling the cups about ¾ full.

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Step 4: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the filling) comes out clean.
2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

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Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm muffins for the best texture and flavor.

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Notes

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – This ensures a rich, creamy filling that doesn’t get too runny while baking.
• Don’t Overfill Muffin Cups – Filling them more than ¾ full can cause overflowing.
• Let the Muffins Cool Slightly Before Adding Glaze – If they’re too hot, the glaze will melt too much and slide off.
• Store in an Airtight Container – This keeps them fresh for longer and prevents them from drying out.
• Warm Before Serving – A quick 10-second microwave warm-up makes them taste freshly baked!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Batter – This can make the muffins dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese Properly – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and could create lumps.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature – Too high, and the muffins will brown too quickly; too low, and they might not bake through. Stick to 350°F (175°C).
• Skipping the Cooling Step – If you remove the muffins too soon from the tin, they might break apart. Let them rest before transferring to a cooling rack.
• Using Too Much or Too Little Filling – Too much can make the muffins collapse, while too little might not give that gooey effect. Stick to about 1 teaspoon per muffin.

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What to Serve With Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins?

These muffins are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or side can elevate your experience.

8 Perfect Pairings

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich, slightly bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness of the muffins perfectly.

2. Chai Tea

A warm, spiced chai complements the cinnamon flavors in the muffins beautifully.

3. Warm Apple Cider

The natural sweetness and fruity notes of apple cider enhance the cozy flavors of the muffins.

4. Vanilla or Caramel Latte

A creamy latte with hints of vanilla or caramel pairs wonderfully with the gooey texture of the muffins.

5. Fresh Berries

Serve a side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.

6. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A tangy yogurt balances the richness of the muffins while adding a bit of protein to your breakfast.

7. Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

If you’re serving these muffins as dessert, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream makes them even more indulgent.

8. Nut Butter Spread

Almond or peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty touch that pairs well with the cinnamon flavors.

No matter how you serve them, these muffins bring comfort and warmth to any meal!

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Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling stays fresh this way.
• Freezer: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these muffins without cream cheese?

Yes! You can skip the cream cheese filling for a simple cinnamon muffin, or substitute it with a custard or caramel filling.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

4. How do I prevent my cream cheese filling from sinking?

Ensure the batter at the bottom is thick enough to support the filling, and don’t overfill the muffins.

5. Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add extra texture and flavor.

6. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner consistency, mix in a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time.

7. Can I bake these muffins in mini muffin tins?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes for mini muffins.

8. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing, but you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

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Conclusion

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of warm spices, rich cream cheese, and a soft, fluffy texture. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to impress. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste. Try them today, and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness in every bite!

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