Introduction
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the warmth of cinnamon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. These muffins are an indulgent breakfast option or an irresistible snack any time of day. With their soft, tender crumb and gooey center, these muffins are sure to please everyone in the family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture (for topping)
Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
12 muffins
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, then add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center before topping with more muffin batter until the cups are about 2/3 full.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each muffin.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
For an extra touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Enjoy your gooey, delicious muffins warm or at room temperature!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients well until fully blended.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon about half of the muffin batter into each muffin liner. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each liner. Then, add the remaining muffin batter over the cream cheese filling, ensuring it is covered.
Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of each muffin for added flavor before baking.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Drizzle (Optional)
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate (1/4 cup) over the cooled muffins for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
Note 1: Cream Cheese Filling
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy blending with powdered sugar.
Note 2: Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
You can make your own cinnamon sugar by mixing equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Note 4: Freezing
These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Cook Techniques
Measuring Flour
To ensure accurate measurements, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to dense muffins.
Combining Dry Ingredients
When mixing dry ingredients, whisk them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder, salt, and spices. This helps achieve consistent rising during baking.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. It’s essential to mix them well to ensure the melted butter cools before adding eggs, preventing curdling.
Mixing Batter
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough muffins. A few lumps are okay.
Making Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a creamy texture and easy blending.
Filling Muffin Tins
Spoon half of the muffin batter into each liner, followed by a dollop of the cream cheese mixture, then top with the remaining batter. This creates a gooey center.
Baking Muffins
Bake in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Use the center rack for optimal heat distribution and check for doneness with a toothpick.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser muffins. You might consider a 50/50 mix with all-purpose flour for better texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
How do I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the muffins?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts or fruit like apple or raisins. Just be mindful of the additional moisture they might bring.
What can I use as a dairy-free substitute?
Substitute almond or oat milk for the milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling.
Conclusion
The Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the rich cream cheese filling with the sweetness of cinnamon. Ideal for breakfast or as a dessert, these muffins are sure to become a favorite. Their gooey texture and aromatic spices make them not only satisfying but also a comforting option to enjoy any time of the day.
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