If you’re searching for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These muffins are irresistibly soft, moist, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese, offering a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a tasty snack, this recipe hits all the right notes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that yield bakery-quality results at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating these scrumptious muffins. Each one plays a vital role, contributing to the texture, flavor, and overall muffin magic.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides moisture and a creamy tang that makes these muffins uniquely rich.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds a velvety texture and luscious flavor without overpowering the cream cheese.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter perfectly, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Eggs (2 large): Essential for structure and binding all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives the muffins their soft crumb and tender bite.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully and become light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps create that soft muffin texture.
- Chocolate chips, blueberries, or mix-ins (1/2 cup): Optional but highly recommended for adding bursts of flavor and fun texture.
How to Make Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally to make sure everything blends evenly.
Step 2: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add your granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Once it’s smooth and fully combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract once the eggs are well incorporated for that lovely fragrant note.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry components ensures the leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Milk
This step is all about gentle mixing. Add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts. Start with about a third of the flour mixture, then half the milk, and continue until all ingredients are combined. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as the batter comes together—overmixing can make your muffins tough.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins
If you’re using chocolate chips, blueberries, or any other mix-ins, now’s the time to gently fold them into the batter. This adds delightful pockets of flavor and a bit of surprise inside every muffin.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it well. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The muffins should appear golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and lets them set into the perfect texture for consuming.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey complements the tangy cream cheese flavor beautifully. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top can add visual appeal and a burst of fresh taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea for a winning combo. They also work wonderfully alongside fruit salads or a savory egg dish if you’re serving a brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, place muffins in a rustic wicker basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. Add small jars of preserves or nut butter on the side to let everyone customize their bites. These muffins also look adorable stacked on a tiered tray for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their moistness. After that, they’re best kept in the fridge to prolong freshness.
Freezing
Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cream cheese muffins keep well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy muffins warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This restores their soft, freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may affect the muffins’ texture and richness. For best results, stick to full-fat cream cheese to get that signature moistness.
What mix-ins work best with this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Chocolate chips and blueberries are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even small chunks of fresh apple for variety and flavor.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend works well. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain structure.
Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer helps achieve the light, fluffy texture, especially when beating the cream cheese and butter. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will work, though it might take longer.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour and can make the muffins dense and tough instead of tender and soft. Mixing just until combined ensures the perfect crumb every time.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and indulgence that anyone can master. These little bites of heaven bring a comforting richness and a versatile base for your favorite add-ins. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delightful and satisfying as I do—perfect for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself.
Print
Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Muffins are tender, moist, and bursting with rich cream cheese flavor. Perfectly sweetened and customizable with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees bakery-quality muffins in just over half an hour. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these muffins deliver fluffy texture and delicious taste every time.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, blueberries, or other mix-ins
Instructions
- 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. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture and continue to beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary to mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully mixed in. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the cream cheese mix, alternating with the milk. Start by adding about one-third of the dry ingredients, then half the milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Repeat this sequence until all ingredients are incorporated, ending with the dry ingredients.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix only until the dry ingredients are just moistened. A few flour streaks are fine, as overmixing can develop gluten and make the muffins tough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: If using chocolate chips, blueberries, or other mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter to avoid breaking them up or overworking the batter.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the muffins evenly.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups well to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool Muffins: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and maintaining texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and light.
- You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for regular milk if desired.
- Mix-ins like fresh or frozen blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts add variety but should be folded in gently.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
