Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Baking these delightful cinnamon cream cheese muffins will transport you to a world of warm, comforting flavors.

Soft clouds of sweet dough embrace rich, tangy cream cheese in every delectable bite.

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

Swirls of cinnamon dance through tender crumb, creating a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth.

Each muffin promises a perfect balance between creamy filling and spicy warmth.

Decadent yet simple, these treats come together faster than you might expect.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this irresistible morning indulgence.

What to Love About Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Sink your teeth into these muffins packed with rich, creamy filling that melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious breakfast or snack experience.
  • Guaranteed to win over family and friends, these muffins offer a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon, tangy cream cheese, and soft, tender texture that everyone will adore.
  • Ideal for weekend brunches, school mornings, or unexpected guests, these muffins can be prepared quickly and serve as a delightful treat that elevates any morning routine.

What Goes into Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base of the muffins that provides a soft and tender texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and aromatic spice to the muffin base.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a rich, tangy flavor in the muffins.
  • Butter: Contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the muffins.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the muffin batter.
Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy filling with a smooth texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Melted Butter: Combine to make a sweet and spicy cinnamon topping that adds extra flavor and crunch.

Steps for Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350F (175C).

Prepare your muffin tin by either lining it with cute paper liners or giving it a generous butter massage.

Step 2: Mix Dry Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Set this powdery mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Blend Wet Wonders

In a separate bowl, create a silky smooth mixture by beating together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they’re completely incorporated and looking gorgeous.

Step 4: Create Muffin Batter

Slowly add your wet ingredients to the dry mixture.

Stir gently until just combined – remember, lumpy batter makes tender muffins!

Don’t go crazy with mixing.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, whip up the most delicious cream cheese center:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Build Your Muffin Masterpiece

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.

Drop a spoonful of cream cheese mixture right in the center.

Cover with more batter until the cups are about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

Create a mouth-watering topping by mixing:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Generously shower this mixture over the muffin tops.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Smart Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense textures.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that swirls perfectly through the muffin batter.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture right before baking to create a crispy, caramelized exterior that adds delightful crunch and flavor.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or quick snacks.

Storing Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins the Right Way

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Place muffins in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they're heated through but not dried out. Add a small splash of water to keep them moist.
  • Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Wrap muffins in aluminum foil and warm for 7-10 minutes. This method helps restore their original soft, tender texture and brings out the cinnamon aroma.

Pairing Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Pair Creamy Coffee Delight: Rich, medium-roast espresso cuts through the muffin's sweetness, enhancing the cinnamon's warmth and complementing the cream cheese's tangy notes.
  • Elevate with Caramel Beverage Twist: Salted caramel latte creates a decadent flavor harmony, balancing the muffin's richness and adding sophisticated complexity.
  • Refresh with Spiced Tea Companion: Chai tea's aromatic spices mirror the muffin's cinnamon profile, offering a gentle, comforting counterpoint to the dessert's sweetness.
  • Indulge with Vanilla Milkshake Pairing: Creamy vanilla milkshake provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, gooey muffin texture, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffin Variations

  • Gluten-Free Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free cream cheese and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, coconut cream cheese alternative, and plant-based butter. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt for moisture and richness.

FAQs

  • What makes the cream cheese filling so special?

The cream cheese filling is made with smooth cream cheese, a touch of sugar, and vanilla extract, creating a rich, creamy center that adds a delightful surprise inside each muffin.

  • Can I make these muffins without a muffin tin?

While a muffin tin is recommended for the best shape and even baking, you could use a well-greased cake pan or cast-iron skillet as an alternative, though the texture and appearance might differ slightly.

  • Is it important to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes, using room temperature ingredients like eggs, sour cream, and butter helps them blend more smoothly and creates a more consistent batter, resulting in better-textured muffins.

  • How do I prevent overmixing the batter?

Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.

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Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious gooey cinnamon cream cheese muffins blend sweet warmth with rich, creamy indulgence. Comforting bakery-style treats promise pure morning bliss with classic spice and smooth cream cheese swirls you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (100 g) brown sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining with paper liners or thoroughly greasing the surface.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a light, tender texture.
  5. Create the cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  6. Distribute half the batter evenly across muffin cups, placing a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter until cups are approximately 3/4 full.
  7. Prepare the cinnamon topping by combining brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter, then generously sprinkle over the muffin surfaces.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
  9. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a perfect texture and easy removal.

Notes

  • Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense muffins, so gently fold the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender texture.
  • Create a lighter cream cheese filling by using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
  • To prevent the cream cheese from sinking, dust it lightly with flour before adding to the muffin batter, helping it stay suspended in the center.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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