Are you craving a delicious and easy treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack? Look no further! These cream cheese muffins are incredibly moist, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the ultimate combination of fluffy muffin and tangy cream cheese – pure deliciousness in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and easy removal of the muffins.
Making the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step for even distribution of leavening agents.
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In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step; it makes the process much quicker and easier.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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In a small bowl, gently mix the softened cream cheese and buttermilk until smooth.
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Stir the cream cheese mixture into the batter until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
Baking the Muffins:
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Fill each muffin liner about ¾ full.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter, eggs, and cream cheese ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready.
- Cooling rack: Allowing the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
These cream cheese muffins are a delightful addition to any occasion. Their moist texture and irresistible flavor will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness! They're perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunches, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Try them today and discover a new favorite among easy recipes and healthy meals!