Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat, offering a harmonious blend of creamy richness and subtle sweetness. These muffins are not just your ordinary baked goods; they are a symphony of flavors and textures, with a moist crumb and a creamy surprise inside. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, they’re perfect for those mornings when you want something special but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen.
Simple, moist, and delicious! That’s the promise of these Cream Cheese Muffins. They’re a basic recipe that you can enjoy as-is or customize to your heart’s content by adding various ingredients like chocolate chips and cocoa, poppy seeds, or even a hint of citrus zest for a burst of freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Belonging to the Quick Breads category, these muffins are versatile enough to serve as a breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or even a light lunch option. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, with a prep time of just 10 minutes, they’re a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make these Cream Cheese Muffins so irresistible. You’ll need 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, the zest of one lemon for a pop of citrusy brightness, a dash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor, 1 egg plus an additional egg for the filling, 1 cup of milk to keep the batter moist and tender, 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar for the batter, 2 teaspoons of baking powder to help the muffins rise beautifully, a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, and powdered sugar for rolling the muffins in after baking.
To begin, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set this delightful filling aside while you prepare the muffin batter.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly oil the bottoms of your medium muffin tins to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the muffins later on.
Next, beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir in the milk and oil until well combined. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a uniform texture and flavor throughout the muffins.
Now, pour the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture all at once, stirring gently until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
Once the batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the muffins. Fill each muffin cup about halfway full with the batter, then spoon a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling on top. Cover the filling with more batter until each muffin cup is about three-quarters full.
Pop the muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the muffins are cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s important not to let the muffins brown too much; they should be light in color and have a tender crumb.
As soon as the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the tins. Then, while they’re still warm, roll each muffin in powdered sugar to give them a sweet finishing touch and a hint of extra indulgence.
With an aggregated rating of 4.5 stars based on 5 reviews, these Cream Cheese Muffins are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Each muffin is approximately 374.2 calories, with 20.9 grams of fat, 5.8 grams of saturated fat, 71.7 milligrams of cholesterol, 352.8 milligrams of sodium, 40.4 grams of carbohydrates, 0.9 grams of fiber, 14.8 grams of sugar, and 6.6 grams of protein.
This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking to impress or a seasoned baker searching for a new favorite, these Cream Cheese Muffins are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in a little slice of muffin heaven!
