Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture
- Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution, preventing clumps in the batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding it to the eggs to prevent curdling. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until the mixture is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense muffins. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. This creates a creamy, slightly sweet filling that balances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin.
- Cover the cream cheese filling with a bit more batter, ensuring the tops are smooth.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy, caramelized finish. If you prefer a more decadent touch, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the muffins after baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Common Troubleshooting Issues
- Muffins Turn Out Too Dense: Overmixing the batter can lead to heavy muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cream Cheese Fills the Entire Muffin: If the cream cheese spreads too much, try chilling it for a few minutes before adding it to the batter.
- Muffins Stick to the Liners: Use high-quality parchment paper liners, or lightly spray the liners with cooking spray before adding the batter.
- Overcooked or Dry Muffins: Baking time varies by oven, so check for doneness around 18 minutes and adjust accordingly.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Prepping Efficiently: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to streamline the baking process.
- Consistent Muffin Sizes: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter evenly.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the cinnamon flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes