Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

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

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.
2. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
   • This prevents the muffins from sticking to the tin.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
   • Use a hand mixer or a whisk to ensure the filling is well-blended.

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
   • This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Creaming the butter and sugar creates a light texture in the muffins.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Incorporating the eggs one at a time ensures they are well mixed.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
   • Avoid overmixing to prevent tough muffins.

Assemble the Muffins:

1. Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each prepared muffin cup.
   • This forms the base layer of the muffin.
2. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin cup.
   • This creates a creamy center.
3. Top with another tablespoon of muffin batter, making sure to cover the cream cheese filling.
   • Ensure the cream cheese filling is fully encased.

Bake the Muffins:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
   • Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
2. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Add the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
   • This mixture will give the muffins a sweet, spiced coating.
2. Brush the tops of the cooled muffins with melted butter and dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
   • The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere and adds richness.

Enjoy your cinnamon cream cheese muffins with their delicious creamy center and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping!