Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of warm spices, soft and fluffy texture, and a rich, creamy center. They make an excellent breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

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

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Instructions

  Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

  Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together 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, and mix until just combined.

  Step 3: Assemble the Muffins

  1. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter.
  2. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin.
  3. Top with more batter until the muffin cups are about ¾ full.

  Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
  2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

  Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  1. Brush the tops of the warm muffins with melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Dip or sprinkle the muffins with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

  4. Enjoy!

     Let the muffins cool slightly before enjoying their delicious, creamy centers. These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm them slightly before serving.

     Would you like any variations or substitutions for dietary preferences?