Introduction
This Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe delivers bakery-style indulgence with minimal cleanup. A single bowl keeps prep simple, while the rich swirl of cinnamon and cream cheese creates an irresistible, tender crumb. These muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet snack. For another simple morning treat, try this Easy breakfast idea! #youtubeshorts #recipe #baking #food #gilmoregirls #fall #viral.
Ingredients
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins fill your kitchen with warm spice aromas while baking, promising a soft crumb and decadent cream cheese swirl in every bite.
- 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)
Timing
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Context: These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease each cup thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 — Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons cold cubed butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3 — Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Step 4 — Mix the Muffin Batter
Whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix ½ cup milk, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened—do not overmix.
Step 5 — Assemble the Muffins
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each prepared cup. Add a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of cream cheese filling to the center of each. Top with remaining batter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon streusel.
Step 6 — Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge (not through the cream cheese center) comes out clean. The cream cheese filling should be soft but set.
Step 7 — Cool and Serve
Let the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best gooey texture, or store in an airtight container once completely cool.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Greek yogurt for cream cheese — Boosts protein while maintaining creamy texture with a pleasant tang.
- Almond flour or oat flour — Creates gluten-free Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins with a nutty flavor.
- Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener — Lowers glycemic impact while keeping the sweet cinnamon character.
- Unsweetened applesauce for oil — Reduces fat content while adding natural moisture and subtle fruitiness.
- Dairy-free cream cheese alternative — Makes these muffins vegan-friendly with similar richness.
- Egg substitute like flax eggs — Works perfectly for egg-free Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
- Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts salt content without affecting rise or texture.
- Protein powder blended into batter — Adds nutritional boost while complementing the cinnamon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the richness of the Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
- Serve warm for a cozy breakfast or as a comforting dessert after dinner.
- Bring these muffins to brunch gatherings or holiday potlucks for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar or add a simple glaze drizzle for an elegant presentation.
- Accompany with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to add a fruity contrast.
- Enjoy as an afternoon snack with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are versatile enough for any time of day and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using cold cream cheese which creates lumps in the filling. Fix: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing.
- Mistake: Overmixing the muffin batter, resulting in tough, dense muffins. Fix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Mistake: Filling muffin liners too full, causing overflow and flat tops. Fix: Fill liners only 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow proper rising.
- Mistake: Not creating a proper cinnamon swirl, leading to uneven flavor distribution. Fix: Layer half the batter, add the cinnamon-sugar mix, then top with remaining batter before swirling with a knife.
- Mistake: Underbaking the muffins, so the cream cheese center doesn’t set. Fix: Bake until a toothpick inserted near the edge (not the center) comes out clean.
- Mistake: Using expired baking powder, which prevents the muffins from rising properly. Fix: Test baking powder freshness by mixing a teaspoon with hot water; it should fizz immediately.
- Mistake: Skipping the resting time for the batter, which can affect texture. Fix: Let the batter rest for 15 minutes after mixing to hydrate the flour for a more tender crumb.
- Mistake: Opening the oven door too early, causing the muffins to collapse. Fix: Avoid opening the oven for at least the first 15 minutes of baking to maintain stable heat.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through to a food-safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Always allow your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain their delicious texture.
Conclusion
We hope you love these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins as much as we do! For another delicious treat, try our Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Happy baking!
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
Soft and filled with a sweet cream cheese center, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these muffins offer a delightful texture and flavor combination.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with the batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with more batter to cover the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
Notes
These muffins are best served fresh but can be frozen for up to two months. For a less creamy filling, low-fat cream cheese can be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Breakfast/Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 40
FAQs
How can I ensure my Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins turn out moist and gooey?
Do not overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. The cream cheese filling and proper moisture balance are key to achieving the signature gooey texture in these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
Can I prepare the muffin batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after mixing the batter. Letting it sit can affect the leavening and result in denser muffins.
What is the best way to store these muffins?
Store cooled Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
