If you’re searching for the ultimate breakfast treat or a sweet snack with a luscious twist, Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are about to become your new favorite. Imagine warm, pillowy muffins swirled with silky cream cheese, touched with a hint of tang and bursting with cinnamon in every bite. That gooey, melty center paired with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping sends you right over the moon. They’re incredibly simple to make, but impressive enough to wow anyone who gets a taste. Whether for a cozy weekend or a special brunch, this recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples come together to make something downright magical. Each ingredient plays a unique role, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the muffins for the classic soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with a delicate golden finish.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and extra moistness.
- Baking powder: Your main leavening for a light, fluffy lift.
- Baking soda: Reacts with sour cream to create more rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature cozy, aromatic muffin flavor.
- Sour cream: The secret to rich, moist muffins with a hint of tang.
- Milk: Makes the batter smooth and helps bind everything together.
- Vegetable oil: Provides lasting moisture and a tender bite, without overpowering flavor.
- Large egg: Brings the batter together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts warmth and sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the dreamy, gooey center we all love.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the filling for a silky texture.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (granulated sugar & cinnamon): Adds a fragrant crunch to the tops of the muffins.
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or generously grease each well if you prefer to go liner-free. This ensures those magical muffins release perfectly and maintain their beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your flour, both types of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking these together thoroughly is key to even flavor and ensures no pesky clumps end up in your batter. Plus, it makes the cinnamon fragrance fill the kitchen right away!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl for your wet ingredients: sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is velvety smooth. The sour cream helps make every bite ultra-moist and rich, so be sure it’s blended well.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently, just until you see the last streaks of flour disappear—overmixing can make the muffins tough instead of tender. The batter will be thick and that’s just what you want for stuffing later.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy. If you’re after extra-gooey centers, pop it in the fridge to firm up a bit while you prep the muffin cups.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon enough batter to cover about one-third of each muffin cup. Drop a generous teaspoon of that dreamy cream cheese filling right in the center. Cover with more batter until the cups are about 3/4 full. The layering creates that signature gooey center surprise when you take a bite.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix your remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle a little over each muffin—this step adds a crunchy, caramelized layer that makes them bakery-worthy.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and a toothpick inserted near (but not through) the cream cheese to come out clean. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a rack so you can sneak one while it’s still irresistibly warm.
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins
Garnishes
While Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are incredible as-is, adding a final touch can elevate them. Try dusting with a little extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish. A sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch on top.
Side Dishes
Pair a warm muffin with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy cup of coffee, or a frothy chai latte. For a more lavish breakfast, serve these alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or even a savory egg scramble to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the muffins in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin, or place each one in a decorative cupcake liner for extra flair. If you’re sharing at a brunch, a tiered stand makes them look stunning, and a handwritten label lets everyone know they’re about to experience Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep that gooey center, add a paper towel beneath the muffins to absorb any excess moisture and stop them from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, simply let the muffins cool and then wrap each individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or let them come to room temperature on the counter for a delicious grab-and-go treat.
Reheating
Warm up leftover Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for that just-baked gooey center. If reheating from frozen, a quick burst in the microwave will bring them back perfectly, or you can warm in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese gives you the best gooey texture for the centers of your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
What’s the best way to keep the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Chilling the cream cheese filling before assembling your muffins helps it stay put while baking, creating that signature pocket of gooey goodness right in the center.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the muffin batter?
Absolutely! Stir in half a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the dry ingredients before combining with the wet. Each adds great texture and extra flavor dimensions to your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins.
How do I know when these muffins are done?
The muffin tops should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the edge of a muffin (avoid the cream cheese center) should come out clean. Overbaking can dry out your muffins, so check at the 18-minute mark.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and divide the batter evenly among two muffin tins. Watch your baking time, as it could take a minute or two extra if your oven is packed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for oozy, tender muffin perfection, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a batch of Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the simple luxury of these irresistible treats—you just might start a new breakfast tradition.
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of gooey cinnamon cream cheese filling encased in a moist, bakery-style muffin. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Prepare muffin batter: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Make cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble muffins: Fill muffin cups with batter, add cream cheese filling, top with more batter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra gooey centers, chill the cream cheese filling before assembling.
- Best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
