Velvety Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: Bakery Magic!

Mornings sparkle with warmth when these delightful cinnamon cream cheese muffins burst from the oven.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with rich cream cheese that creates a tantalizing swirl through delicate batter.

Each bite promises a dance of sweet spices and creamy richness.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Cinnamon’s warm embrace transforms ordinary breakfast into a luxurious moment of indulgence.

These muffins elevate simple ingredients into a morning masterpiece.

Prepare to savor a recipe that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredient Picks for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

For Batter Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for muffins, select unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light, airy rise, ensuring fluffy muffin interior.
  • Baking Soda: Helps balance acid and promotes golden browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to rich, smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the muffin flavor profile.
For Cream Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, tangy center, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cream cheese mixture.
For Topping and Moisture:
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps muffins incredibly moist, choose full-fat version.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender crumb, use unsalted for better control.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers caramel notes and helps create crispy crumble topping.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements cream cheese.
For Crumble Topping:
  • Flour: Creates sandy, crumbly texture.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures crisp, distinct crumble layer.

Tools You’ll Need for Cinnamon Muffins

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfect muffin portions.
  • Mixing Bowls: One medium and one large for dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending ingredients without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for balanced flavors.
  • Pastry Cutter or Fingers: Helps create crumbly topping texture.
  • Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness without piercing cream cheese center.
  • Wire Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Small Bowl: For preparing cream cheese filling and crumble topping.

Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven cozy and ready by heating it to 375F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Create Creamy Magic

In a small bowl, whip together cream cheese, a touch of sweetness, and vanilla until it’s silky smooth. Set this dreamy mixture aside for later.

  • Blend the Batter

Grab two bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Whisk flour, baking goodies, and a sprinkle of cinnamon in the first bowl. In the second, dance together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients, splashing in some buttermilk. Mix just until everything looks friendly.

  • Craft the Crumbly Crown

Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drop in cold butter chunks and massage with your fingers until it looks like sandy crumbs.

  • Build Your Muffin Masterpiece

Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Dollop a spoonful of cream cheese in the center. Cover with more batter until almost full. Shower each muffin with the crumbly topping.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven for 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean from the edge.

  • Serve and Savor

Let muffins chill in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy these delectable treats with your favorite hot drink!

Notes & Variations for Cinnamon Muffins

  • Baker's Secret Tricks: Perfecting Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Technique: Use cold cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly into the muffin batter.
  • Avoid Overmixing Magic: Stir the batter gently and briefly – overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated for light, tender results.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the muffin batter and fill the tin the night before, storing covered in the refrigerator. Bake fresh in the morning for quick, delicious breakfast treats that taste like they're straight from the bakery.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.
  • Flavor Boost Variations: Experiment by adding chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for exciting flavor twists that complement the classic cinnamon profile.

How to Serve Cinnamon Muffins

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate herbal tea for a delightful morning treat that elevates your breakfast experience.
  • Decadent Dessert Twist: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to transform these muffins into an indulgent after-dinner dessert that will impress guests.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a small pitcher of maple syrup, creating an eye-catching centerpiece that invites friends and family to gather and enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Morning Magic: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month, ensuring you always have a delicious breakfast or snack ready to enjoy.

Smart Storage for Cinnamon Muffins

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow muffins to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes after baking to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping cream cheese filling fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen for 20-30 seconds.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare batter and cream cheese filling separately the night before, storing in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake fresh in the morning for instant breakfast deliciousness.
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Velvety Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Velvety Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Luscious gooey cinnamon cream cheese muffins deliver a delightful breakfast sensation from Southern kitchens. Warm spices and rich cream cheese center promise comfort in each tender bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
  • ½ cup (115 g/4 oz) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) buttermilk
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Configure oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or thorough grease application.
  2. Cream Cheese Fusion: Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency, then reserve for later integration.
  3. Dry Ingredient Symphony: Amalgamate flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring thorough intermingling.
  4. Wet Ingredient Harmonization: Thoroughly blend melted butter and sugar, then introduce eggs individually, followed by vanilla extract, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  5. Batter Composition: Methodically combine dry and wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, employing a gentle folding technique to preserve batter’s delicate structure.
  6. Crumble Topping Creation: Intermix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then incorporate cold butter using fingertips or pastry cutter until achieving a rustic, granular texture.
  7. Muffin Assembly: Fill each muffin cavity halfway with batter, strategically positioning a cream cheese filling dollop at the center.
  8. Batter Completion: Cover cream cheese with additional batter, filling cups approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising potential.
  9. Crumble Application: Liberally distribute the textured crumble across each muffin’s surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  10. Baking Transformation: Bake for 18-22 minutes, confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick near the muffin’s periphery and verifying a clean extraction.
  11. Cooling Protocol: Rest muffins in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack, allowing gradual temperature equilibration.
  12. Serving Suggestion: Present these luxurious muffins warm or at room temperature, perfect for complementing morning beverages or savoring independently.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain tender, light muffin texture. Overmixing develops gluten, creating tough, dense muffins.
  • Cream Cheese Placement: Center cream cheese filling carefully to ensure even distribution. Use a spoon or piping bag for precise placement within muffin batter.
  • Check Moisture Level: Avoid dry muffins by testing with toothpick near edge. Clean toothpick indicates perfect baking without overbaking.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like buttermilk and eggs to reach room temperature. This ensures smoother batter and more consistent baking results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 278
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 233 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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