Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for topping); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (optional, for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)

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As the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar fills your kitchen, all your cares melt away, and you find yourself immersed in a moment of pure bliss. Imagine pulling a tray of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins from the oven, their golden tops glistening with a sugary sparkle. With each bite, the cream cheese center bursts with a delightful richness, perfectly complementing the cozy flavors of cinnamon. These muffins are wonderful for breakfast, a midday snack, or a special treat at gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to any occasion.

What Makes This Special

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins are more than just a delicious bite; they’re a delightful experience for all your senses. This scrumptious treat combines the sweetness of cinnamon sugar with a cream cheese core that adds a luscious surprise. They are perfect for cozy mornings, brunch festivities, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sweet and savory cream cheese filling
Enticing cinnamon aroma
Perfect for sharing or indulging alone
Great for any time of the day, morning or evening
Simple ingredients that create magic

Gather These Ingredients

Before you dive into this delightful baking adventure, gather the following ingredients. Each plays a unique role in creating the perfect muffin. Feel free to explore some substitutions if you need, such as swapping whole milk for almond or oat milk.

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup milk (I use whole milk but use any milk you prefer)
1/2 cup (1 standard stick or 4 ounces) butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 12 pieces for regular muffins or 24 pieces for mini muffins
1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons butter (1 ounce), melted (for topping)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (for topping)

Step by Step

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Prepare a 12-count muffin pan (or 24-count mini muffin pan) with liners, or spray generously with nonstick baking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside, allowing the spices to blend harmoniously.
In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until fully combined. Give this a vigorous whisk to ensure the eggs are well broken up and blended.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Remember, the key to fluffy muffins is not to overmix, leaving the batter a little shaggy and rustic.
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, press a piece of cream cheese down into the center, then top it off with more muffin batter to fill cups about three-quarters full. A leveled two-tablespoon cookie scoop works wonders here for even layers.
Bake in your preheated oven: large muffins will take about 22-25 minutes, while mini muffins need about 18-20 minutes. For doneness, insert a toothpick, avoiding the cream cheese; you want to see a few moist crumbs adhere, not wet batter. Alternatively, press the muffin tops gently; they should feel firm and not leave an indentation.
Once baked, remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
In the meantime, combine melted butter and vanilla extract in a small bowl for the topping. In another small bowl, mix together the remaining topping ingredients. Set both aside.
Brush each muffin top with the melted butter mixture, then roll in the cinnamon vanilla sugar mixture. If you didn’t use liners, feel free to brush the entire muffin and roll it in the sugar mix, adjusting amounts accordingly.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 40 minutes, Servings ~ 12 muffins, Kcal ~ 320 per muffin (approx).

Plan Ahead

To make these lovely muffins ahead of time, you can prepare the batter up to the point of filling the muffin cups and refrigerate overnight. Bring the batter to room temperature before baking for best results. Once baked, you can keep them at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze them for longer storage, defrosting when ready to enjoy.

How to Store Leftovers

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a delightful warm treat. For ultimate freshness, always ensure the muffins are completely cooled before storing.

Perfect Pairings

The warm and sweet flavors of Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins pair wonderfully with:

Fresh brewed coffee: The rich, bold notes complement the sweetness of the muffins.
Herbal tea: A soothing chamomile or mint tea can enhance the cozy experience.
Fruit preserves: A bit of berry jam or apple butter adds a fruity contrast to the muffins.
Creamy yogurt: A dollop of vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and tang to every serving.
Fresh fruit: Slices of apples, bananas, or berries provide a refreshing and healthy balance.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins with these creative twists:

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Incorporate chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or pumpkin spice.
Add a hint of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to brighten up the flavors.
Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more earthy sweetness.
Include different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, for a unique flavor profile.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best cinnamon muffins, consider these tips:

Ensure your butter is cooled after melting; hot butter can alter the batter’s texture.
Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
Don’t open the oven door too early; it can cause the muffins to sink.
Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the pan to prevent sticking.
Use a toothpick test for doneness, aiming for a few moist crumbs on the pick for perfectly baked muffins.

Your Questions, Answered

What can I substitute for cream cheese? You could use ricotta or a vegan cream cheese if you want to avoid dairy.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, feel free to make a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitution.
How can I ensure my muffins rise well? Make sure your leavening agents like baking powder are fresh; checking the date can help.
Can I freeze these muffins? Absolutely! Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking? Use the toothpick test; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful addition to any kitchen, combining comfort and decadence in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them during a quiet moment, these muffins are sure to bring smiles and warmth. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the joy of baking a batch soon!

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Muffins

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious muffins filled with a sweet cream cheese surprise and topped with cinnamon sugar, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare a 12-count muffin pan or 24-count mini muffin pan with liners or nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, press a piece of cream cheese into the center, and top with more batter until cups are three-quarters full.
Bake large muffins for 22-25 minutes or mini muffins for 18-20 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick.
Cool muffins for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Combine melted butter and vanilla for the topping, and mix topping ingredients in another bowl.
Brush muffin tops with the melted butter mixture, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.