If you’re searching for a bakery-style treat that’s equal parts cozy and impressive, Cream Cheese Muffins are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine a golden, tender muffin that hides a creamy, slightly tangy layer of sweetened cream cheese in every bite — it’s like your favorite coffee shop pastry, but even better at home! These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have. Each bite delivers that magical mix of soft crumb and luscious filling that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cream Cheese Muffins rely on everyday ingredients that work together to create a muffin that’s soft, flavorful, and full of personality. Here’s how each element brings something special to the table — from the fluffy base to the creamy surprise in the middle.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your muffin, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffin without overpowering the tangy cream cheese filling.
Baking powder: Gives these muffins their lovely lift and fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works with the sour cream for extra rise and a delicate crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making every bite rich and tender.
Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and that classic muffin flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add a light, airy texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, fragrant sweetness.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show, creating a creamy, decadent filling.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough without making it heavy.

How to Make Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease each cup if you prefer. This step ensures your Cream Cheese Muffins pop right out after baking, keeping their shape and making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed, so you get a consistent rise and flavor in every muffin.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture is the secret to muffins that are moist and flavorful inside, not dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Make the Muffin Batter

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ones and gently fold them together just until combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Overmixing can make your muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious filling becomes the delightful surprise in the center of every muffin.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon enough muffin batter to fill each cup about halfway. Drop a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin, then cover with more batter until the cups are about three-quarters full. This layering guarantees a gooey, creamy center in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes, watching for lightly golden tops and a toothpick near the edge (not the center!) to come out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes, then move them to a wire rack. This keeps the Cream Cheese Muffins moist while preventing sogginess.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes these Cream Cheese Muffins look bakery-fresh. For a pop of color, try a few fresh berries on top, or add a drizzle of honey for a glossy, sweet finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your muffins with a bowl of Greek yogurt, a fruit salad, or a steaming mug of coffee or tea. These sides add balance and turn your muffins into a complete breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cream Cheese Muffins on a pretty cake stand for an inviting centerpiece at brunch, or wrap them individually in parchment and twine for a thoughtful grab-and-go treat. For parties, slice each muffin in half and display the creamy centers — everyone will want to try one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cream Cheese Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days — perfect for planning ahead or snacking all week.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them great make-ahead treats.

Reheating

Warm up refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and revives the rich cream cheese center.

FAQs

Can I add fruit or chocolate to Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chocolate chips make wonderful additions. Just gently fold them into the batter before assembling your muffins for a fun twist on the original recipe.

Do I have to refrigerate Cream Cheese Muffins?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to store these muffins in the fridge. They’ll stay safe to eat and maintain their deliciously moist texture.

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese?

You can substitute low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy. Still, it’s a great option for different dietary needs!

Why did my cream cheese filling sink to the bottom?

If your filling sinks, it might be because the batter was too thin or you added too much filling. Try using slightly less filling per muffin and make sure your batter isn’t overmixed or too runny.

How do I prevent overbaking?

Keep a close eye on your muffins during the last few minutes of baking. The tops should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean. Avoid poking through the cream cheese center, as it will stay creamy even when done.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Cream Cheese Muffins — they’re easy, indulgent, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to brighten any day. Give the recipe a try and enjoy the magic of that creamy surprise in every bite!

Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Muffins feature a soft, tender crumb with a luscious cream cheese filling in the center, making them an irresistible breakfast or snack treat. The muffins are lightly sweetened, with a subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Easy to prepare and bake, they are delightfully moist thanks to the combination of sour cream and cream cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender muffins.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each filled cup. Then, top with more muffin batter until the cups are roughly ¾ full.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the muffin tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge (not into the cream cheese) comes out clean.
Cool Muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can add berries or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a flavorful twist.
Store leftover muffins in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, freeze the muffins in an airtight container and thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American