If you’re craving a morning treat that checks every box — tender crumb, perfectly sweet, and packed with flavor — you must try these Cream Cheese Muffins. Lusciously soft inside with just a hint of tang, these little bakery-style beauties are sure to make any breakfast brighter. Whether you enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or save one for an afternoon pick-me-up, Cream Cheese Muffins are about to become your secret weapon for easy, crowd-pleasing baked goods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cream Cheese Muffins only takes a handful of familiar ingredients, but when you combine them in just the right way, the result is pure muffin magic! Each item adds something special, from the rich base to the gentle lift and golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation, giving the muffins structure and a delicate crumb.
- Baking soda: Offers a little extra lift for an airy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise sky-high every single time.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and that classic bakery tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives the golden tops we all love.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and give the muffins body and color.
- Cream cheese (softened): The not-so-secret ingredient for ultra-moist, tangy muffins.
- Milk: Loosens the batter, adding moistness for that fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in warmth and a lovely aroma.
- Optional: coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar: A sparkly or spiced finish for bakery-worthy looks and extra flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to work its magic as soon as you’re done mixing. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give each well a mist of nonstick spray to ensure your Cream Cheese Muffins come out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This simple step helps scatter the leaveners evenly throughout the flour, ensuring every bite is fluffy and rises just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
Add the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This process injects air and creates the foundation for wonderfully tender muffins.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate the eggs without over-beating. Stir in the vanilla extract, which brings everything together with a layer of sweet warmth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients in two batches to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter. This keeps your Cream Cheese Muffins soft and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. If you like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish that looks bakery-worthy!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. That little bit of patience pays off with perfectly textured Cream Cheese Muffins.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins
Garnishes
The simplest touch often makes the biggest impression. Dust your Cream Cheese Muffins with a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar, drizzle with a smidge of honey, or crown each with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. A little dollop of whipped cream can elevate them from everyday breakfast to brunch-showstopper status!
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with seasonal fruit salad, sliced melons, or citrus segments for a bright, fresh contrast. If you’re feeling decadent, serve with softly scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a chilled smoothie — these all make a sweet-and-savory breakfast spread that’s impossible to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
Cream Cheese Muffins look adorable nestled in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy brunch. Or, arrange them on a tiered cake stand with strawberry slices and edible flowers for a whimsical touch. For a fun take, slice them in half and slather with your favorite jam. You can even crumble them into parfaits layered with yogurt and fruit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll happily last up to five days. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture before serving.
Freezing
Cream Cheese Muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Just defrost on the counter or warm gently before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back the bakery-fresh taste, reheat individual muffins in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For a slightly crunchy top, warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This works perfectly whether your muffins came from the fridge or the freezer.
FAQs
Can I add fruit or chocolate chips to these muffins?
Absolutely! Blueberries, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of raspberry jam fold beautifully into Cream Cheese Muffins. Just toss your add-ins with a teaspoon of flour before mixing in to help distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before you start baking. If you’re in a hurry, unwrap the block, slice into cubes, and microwave on low in 10-second bursts until softened (but not melted) for easy mixing.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier bite. Using more than that may make the Cream Cheese Muffins denser, so keep an eye on your batter’s consistency and don’t overmix.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched gently.
Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and fill each well about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature, but start checking at 10–12 minutes since smaller muffins bake faster. They’re perfect for snack platters, parties, or lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake up a batch of Cream Cheese Muffins! There’s nothing quite like the combination of creamy tang, soft crumb, and sweet golden tops to start your day on a delicious note. Happy baking — and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your mornings with these delicious Cream Cheese Muffins that are soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy, making them an irresistible breakfast treat. Perfectly moist and bursting with flavor, these bakery-style muffins are easy to make and will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine and Bake: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to wet mixture, then divide batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle with sugar, bake for 18–22 minutes, and cool before serving.
Notes
- Try adding blueberries, chocolate chips, or lemon zest for extra flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
