Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup)
- Baking Powder (1 tablespoon)
- Milk (3/4 cup)
- Melted Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup)
- Large Egg (1)
- Cream Cheese, softened (4 ounces)
- Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter until fully combined.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter. Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter.
- Step 4: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture directly onto the center of the batter in each cup, then top with the remaining muffin batter, ensuring the cream cheese is fully covered.
- Step 5: Combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle lightly over the top of the unbaked muffins. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the filling) comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, especially due to the cream cheese filling, refrigerate the cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reactivate the gooey center, reheat individual muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until the filling is warm and slightly molten.
- Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry is crucial; stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear to guarantee tender muffins that rise well around the dense cream cheese center.
- Enhance the rich flavor by serving these still-warm muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla bean glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American