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### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **granulated sugar**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **ground cinnamon**. This will be your dry mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk the **eggs**, **melted butter**, **buttermilk**, and **vanilla extract**. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. This will help ensure your muffins stay light and fluffy.
#### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling**
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened **cream cheese** with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth. Add the **powdered sugar** and **vanilla extract**, and continue to beat until the mixture is fluffy and well-combined. Set the cream cheese mixture aside.
#### **Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl**
In a small bowl, mix together the **granulated sugar** and **ground cinnamon**. This will be the cinnamon sugar you’ll use to swirl into your muffins for that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Muffins**
Scoop about **2 tablespoons** of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about halfway. Next, spoon **1 tablespoon** of the cream cheese filling onto the center of the batter in each muffin cup. Gently press the cream cheese filling down, ensuring it’s mostly submerged but still visible in the middle.
Top the cream cheese layer with another **2 tablespoons** of the muffin batter, covering the cream cheese filling completely. Once the batter is in place, use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Insert the toothpick into the muffin batter and gently swirl it around in a figure-eight motion to create the cinnamon swirl effect. Don’t overdo it; just a few swirls will give that perfect marbled look.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Muffins**
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for **18-22 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean (a little bit of creamy filling on the toothpick is okay). The tops should be lightly golden brown, and you’ll smell the comforting aroma of cinnamon filling the air.
#### **Step 6: Cool and Enjoy**
Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about **5 minutes**. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cream cheese filling will stay soft and gooey inside, making each bite a heavenly experience.
### **Tips for Perfecting Your Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins:**
– **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
– **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened before making the filling. Cold cream cheese won’t blend well and could result in lumps.
– **Adjust the Swirl**: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon in the sugar mixture. Or, for an even sweeter muffin, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins before baking.
– **Add-ins**: For a fun twist, you can add **chopped nuts** like walnuts or pecans into the batter for some crunch. You could also try adding some **raisins** or **dried cranberries** for a fruity bite.
### **Why These Muffins Are So Special:**
These **Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins** are the ultimate indulgence for any cinnamon and cream cheese lover. They strike the perfect balance between **fluffy, airy muffin batter** and a **rich, gooey cream cheese filling**. The **cinnamon swirl** adds a bit of spice and sweetness, while the **cream cheese filling** brings a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a **brunch gathering**, looking for a quick **breakfast treat**, or just craving something sweet, these muffins will surely delight everyone who tries them.
### **Conclusion:**
If you’ve been on the hunt for a muffin recipe that combines comforting flavors, delightful textures, and an easy-to-make process, then these **Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins** are a must-try. Their sweet and tangy cream cheese center paired with the warm, cinnamon-infused batter makes for a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether for breakfast or dessert, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.
So, grab your mixing bowl and start baking—you won’t be able to resist the gooey goodness of these cinnamon cream cheese muffins!
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