Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate morning treat that feels like a cozy hug, Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins might just become your new obsession. These muffins are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy warmth, with an irresistibly rich cream cheese swirl hiding inside each pillowy bite. They’re simple to whip up but have a decadent, bakery-worthy taste and texture that make them feel truly special. Whether you’re planning a laid-back brunch or just want a weekday breakfast that feels like a celebration, you’re in for a real delight with these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins is how easily you can bring them to life with familiar ingredients. Each element builds flavor and brings out the dreamy texture that sets these muffins apart from your everyday batch.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that helps the muffins hold their soft, lofty crumb.
- Granulated sugar: For subtle sweetness throughout every bite.
- Brown sugar: Lends a caramel-like depth that plays beautifully with cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Gives the muffins their lovely rise and light texture.
- Baking soda: Works in tandem with buttermilk to keep things tender.
- Salt: A small but mighty flavor booster that wakes up all the other ingredients.
- Ground cinnamon: The true star – rich, cozy, and just the right amount of spice.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps everything meld together.
- Buttermilk: For that classic tang and unbeatable moistness. If you don’t have any, a splash of milk with a squeeze of lemon will do!
- Eggs: Provide structure and keep the muffins light.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and unmistakable homemade aroma.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret gooey pocket at the heart of every muffin.
- Powdered sugar: Turns the cream cheese into a luscious, sweet filling.
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Set the stage for muffin magic by preheating your oven to 375°F. This means your muffins get the perfect lift! Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (for easy cleanup and a pretty finish) or grease each cup well. While you’re at it, make sure your cream cheese is softened – you want it smooth and spreadable for that iconic gooey filling.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Grab your favorite mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combining all the dry ingredients at this stage ensures every muffin has the same soft crumb and warm, spiced sweetness that makes Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins so addictive.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The melted butter ensures a rich flavor, while the buttermilk and eggs make the batter plush and tender. This step is where the magic of moistness really starts.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry one. Stir just until you can’t see any streaks of flour – resist the urge to overmix! Overworking the batter can make your muffins tough rather than soft and fluffy. You’re looking for a thick, slightly lumpy batter that promises a tender crumb.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, stir the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This luscious spoonful will become the muffin’s gooey heart – don’t skip it! If you want an even more dramatic swirl, make a little extra to dollop on top later.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each cup, filling just about halfway. Add a generous teaspoon (or more, if you’re feeling decadent) of the sweet cream cheese right in the center. Cover with another scoop of batter until each muffin cup is roughly 3/4 full. If you love extra gooeyness, swirl some cream cheese filling into the top as well before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your muffin tin onto the center rack and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The tops should turn a warm golden color, and a toothpick inserted off-center (to avoid the filling) should come out clean. Let them cool for five to ten minutes – just enough to keep the cream cheese nice and gooey when you take that first bite.
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is the easiest way to take your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins from homey to show-stopping. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right before baking for some sparkle and extra crunch. For even more bakery flair, try a drizzle of vanilla glaze once they’re cooled.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a bowl of fresh, juicy fruit or a creamy Greek yogurt parfait for breakfast. If you’re serving brunch, arrange them alongside scrambled eggs or a spread of sharp cheeses to balance the sweetness. And of course, a steaming mug of coffee or chai makes the whole experience even cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins on a pretty cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or tuck them into a basket lined with a cheerful napkin for potlucks and picnics. Want to make them extra special? Individually wrap the cooled muffins in parchment and twine for charming homemade gifts that’ll make any friend’s morning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For the best flavor and gooey texture, keep leftover Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to savor them longer, simply pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for three to four days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these muffins if you want a sweet treat ready for busy mornings! After they cool completely, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months without losing that signature gooey center.
Reheating
To reheat, just zap a muffin in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. If you want a slightly crisp top, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This gentle warm-up revives the rich, gooey cream cheese perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can DIY your own by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes, then use as directed.
Can these muffins be made gluten free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free blend. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get all that gooey goodness.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?
Filling each muffin cup only halfway before adding the cream cheese helps suspend the filling in the center as the muffins bake. Also, your batter should be thick enough to help hold it in place.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before assembling your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
Are Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love their soft texture and sweet surprise filling. You may want to use cupcake liners for easy handling, and let little ones swirl the cream cheese for a bit of baking fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a fresh batch of Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins from the oven and sharing them with your favorite people. They’re a delicious way to bring some bakery magic into an ordinary day. Give them a try – you’ll soon see why they’ve earned a permanent place in my recipe box!
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cinnamon-spiced muffins with a gooey cream cheese center in these irresistible Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Blend Batter: Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each cup halfway with batter, add cream cheese filling, then top with more batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before enjoying!
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, swirl some of the cream cheese filling into the batter before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
