Fluffy, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are an absolute treat. Each bite features a luscious cream cheese center and a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins bring comfort in every bite. The optional vanilla cream or white chocolate drizzle takes them to the next level!
Why I Love This Recipe
The muffins have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, thanks to the cinnamon and sugar combination.
The gooey cream cheese center adds a rich, creamy contrast to the soft, fluffy muffin.
They are easy to make with simple pantry staples.
Perfect for meal prep—they stay moist and delicious for days!
The cinnamon-sugar topping gives them an irresistible crunchy finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzle)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (avoid overmixing).
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then cover with more batter, ensuring the cream cheese is enclosed.
Sprinkle the tops generously with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with melted vanilla cream or white chocolate if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 290 kcal per muffin
Variations
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add chocolate chips to the batter or use Nutella instead of cream cheese for the filling.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Maple Drizzle: Swap the vanilla cream drizzle with a maple glaze for a warm, cozy flavor.
Healthier Swap: Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber, or replace some sugar with honey.
Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating, or warm them up slightly.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?
I make sure the batter is thick enough to hold the cream cheese in place. Also, adding the filling in the center and not pushing it down helps.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?
Yes, brown sugar works well and gives the topping a deeper caramel-like flavor.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! I use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?
I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them warm and gooey again.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes! I adjust the baking time to about 12-14 minutes since they will cook faster.
Conclusion
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with a creamy surprise inside. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether eaten fresh out of the oven or reheated with a drizzle of white chocolate, they never disappoint.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy, tender, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins feature a rich, creamy center and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these muffins stay moist for days and can be customized with a drizzle of vanilla cream or white chocolate.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Vanilla cream or melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble Muffins:
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter.
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Cover with more batter, ensuring the cream cheese is enclosed.
- Add Topping & Bake:
- Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Transfer to a wire rack and drizzle with vanilla cream or white chocolate if desired.
Notes
For Extra Crunch: Add a cinnamon streusel topping instead of cinnamon sugar.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Mini Muffins: Reduce bake time to 12-14 minutes.
Reheating Tip: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
- Calories: ~290 kcal per muffin
