Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a muffin that’s incredibly soft, moist, and bursting with richness, then you’re going to love this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. These treats are the perfect blend of creamy and cakey, delivering a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you want a sweet breakfast, a delightful snack, or an impressive addition to your brunch table, these muffins never disappoint. They’re easy to whip up, comfortingly rich, and packed with flavor that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients can make all the difference when baking, and this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and golden hue that will have everyone asking for more.

• Cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened: Provides the rich, creamy backbone that keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup softened: Adds luscious fat that enhances flavor and crumb structure.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the muffins while helping to create a tender texture.
• Large eggs, 2: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the muffin’s structure and rise.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
• All-purpose flour, 1½ cups: The base that gives muffins their shape and body.
• Baking powder, 1½ teaspoons: Helps the muffins rise to a light and fluffy perfection.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Milk, ½ cup: Moisturizes the batter and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• Mix-ins (chocolate chips, blueberries, etc.), ½ cup: Optional additions that add pops of flavor and texture.

How to Make Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until you have a light and fluffy mixture. This step is key because it sets the stage for incredibly tender muffins with a velvety texture.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually mix in the sugar to ensure it dissolves properly, creating a smooth, creamy base. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which are crucial for a perfect rise.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. This method helps maintain a tender texture. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Fold in Your Favorite Mix-ins

Gently fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or any other favorite add-ins. This is where you can get creative and make these muffins your own.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with liners or grease it well. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the perfect crumb and texture.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe, try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar, or add a drizzle of honey or a smear of fruit preserves. Fresh berries on top also add a burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy brunch. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit salads or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these muffins warm, wrapped in a pretty cloth or nestled in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic feel. You can even slice them in half and add cream cheese frosting or a layer of berry jam to turn them into delightful mini sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their soft, moist texture. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, warm your muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps revive their tenderness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese in this recipe?

While cream cheese is what gives these muffins their signature moistness and flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture, but expect subtle changes in taste and crumb.

Can I use all-purpose flour or should I try another type?

All-purpose flour works perfectly here because it balances structure and tenderness. Using cake flour might make the muffins too delicate, while whole wheat flour will make them denser.

What are some good mix-ins for these muffins?

Chocolate chips, fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped nuts all work wonderfully. Choose your favorites to personalize your Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe.

Can these muffins be made dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, but the recipe’s texture and richness might vary. Be sure to use similar-fat-content alternatives for best results.

How do I prevent the muffins from being tough?

The biggest tip is to not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Mixing just until the dry ingredients are moistened helps keep the muffins tender and soft.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is truly a treasure for any baking lover looking for a recipe that’s both simple and scrumptiously satisfying. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a personal favorite and sure to become yours too. Go ahead, dive into the deliciousness and enjoy every bite!

Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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3.9 from 72 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, perfect for breakfast or a delicious snack. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a tender crumb while mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries add a delightful twist. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality muffins at home.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-Ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, blueberries, or other mix-ins

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar and continue to beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture alternated with milk, starting with one-third of the dry ingredients, then half the milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Repeat twice more, ending with dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing; some streaks of flour are okay.
6. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or other mix-ins if using.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well.
8. Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
9. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, and muffins are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
10. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
• You can use a variety of mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or different types of berries.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Adjust baking time slightly if using frozen mix-ins like blueberries.
• Muffins are best enjoyed on the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American