If you’ve been searching for a delightful, rich, and surprisingly simple treat to brighten your mornings or satisfy your afternoon cravings, this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is an absolute game changer. These muffins combine the creamy tang of cream cheese with a tender crumb that’s perfectly moist and fluffy. Each bite melts in your mouth with a hint of vanilla and your choice of luscious mix-ins like chocolate chips or fresh blueberries. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a cozy homemade treat, this recipe brings joy, comfort, and a little bit of indulgence all in one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these wonderful muffins. Each ingredient plays a key role, from moisture and texture to that incredible flavor profile you’ll love biting into.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle tang that makes these muffins so special.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Contributes to a tender crumb and buttery richness without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fluffy crumb.
- Eggs (2 large): Provides structure and binds the ingredients together for perfect muffins.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness with a fragrant touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the muffin’s structure; use it carefully for the best texture.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Mix-ins (1/2 cup): Chocolate chips, blueberries, or your favorite add-ins give personality and bursts of flavor inside each muffin.
How to Make Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large bowl. Beat them together on medium speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything is evenly blended for that smooth and creamy base.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat on medium speed until it’s fully incorporated and silky smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to integrate the eggs completely. Stir in the vanilla extract to bring out those warm, inviting flavors that balance the cream cheese perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agents and salt. This step is crucial for a consistent texture and rise in your muffins, so no clumps or uneven pockets of baking powder.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin with about one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finish with the last of the flour mixture. Take care not to overmix to keep the muffins tender and avoid toughness.
Step 5: Fold in Your Favorite Mix-Ins
Gently fold in half a cup of chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, or any other mix-ins you love. This adds delightful bursts of flavor and texture without deflating your batter, ensuring perfectly distributed goodies in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the muffins spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: Cooling
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up slightly and ensures the bottoms don’t get soggy. Once cooled, your Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your muffins, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries can add brightness and a burst of freshness that plays beautifully with the rich muffin base.
Side Dishes
These cream cheese muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the muffins horizontally and adding a smear of cream cheese or your favorite jam for a quick little sandwich. You can also toast them lightly for a warm, slightly crisp exterior, or present them in a decorative muffin basket for a charming gathering treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. For best results beyond that, refrigeration can help extend their life but may slightly dry them out.
Freezing
Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, preserving the flavor and texture without any fuss when thawed properly.
Reheating
To bring your muffins back to life, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This gentle reheating makes them soft and fragrant again, just as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
While cream cheese is key to the texture and flavor of these muffins, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheeses for a slightly different creaminess. However, the unique tang and moisture from cream cheese make this recipe shine.
What mix-ins work best in this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Chocolate chips and blueberries are classic choices that pair perfectly with the creamy muffin base. Other wonderful options include chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even small chunks of fresh peach for a fruity twist.
How do I avoid overmixing the batter?
Mix the batter only until the dry ingredients are just moistened. It’s fine if a few streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten which can make the muffins tough rather than tender and fluffy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture and taste, so substitutions can be tricky. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative, but results may vary in texture and flavor.
How should I tell when the muffins are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top that springs back lightly to the touch. The most reliable test is inserting a wooden skewer in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, never wet batter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself or impress friends and family, this Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is a must-try. It blends simplicity with the decadence of cream cheese, resulting in a muffin that’s wonderfully soft, flavorful, and versatile. Once you bake these, they’re bound to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to delight in every delicious bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful blend of creamy richness and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with softened cream cheese and butter, combined with vanilla and your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, they bake up moist, fluffy, and irresistibly flavorful. This ultimate guide ensures perfect muffins every time with easy-to-follow steps and tips to avoid overmixing for a light texture.
Ingredients
Dairy and 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
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture while continuing to beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides as necessary.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet cream cheese mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start by adding about one-third of the dry mixture, then half of the milk, mixing on low speed just until combined. Repeat with the next third of dry ingredients and remaining milk, finishing with the last third of dry ingredients.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix only until the dry ingredients are just moistened. It’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain; overmixing can develop gluten and make the muffins tough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: If using chocolate chips, blueberries, or any preferred add-ins, gently fold them into the batter now to evenly distribute without breaking the muffins’ texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- 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 the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier mixing.
- Mix-ins such as chocolate chips or blueberries add flavor but be gentle when folding them in.
- If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with any dairy or non-dairy milk.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
