These Gingerbread Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the holiday season. Each muffin is a blend of rich gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, combined with the creamy sweetness of a cream cheese center. The unique baking technique ensures a moist, flavorful muffin with a pleasantly surprising creamy heart.
Why You'll Love This:
- Festive Flavors: The spices bring the warm, comforting taste of gingerbread.
- Cream Cheese Surprise: A luscious cream cheese filling adds a delightful twist.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of buttermilk and Greek yogurt or sour cream ensures a moist crumb.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these muffins a joy to bake.
- Ideal for Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy snack during the festive season.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 9 muffin cups with liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, egg, buttermilk, and Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
- Sprinkle flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently whisk until mostly combined, then fold with a spatula until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- For the filling, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag, snip off the tip, and pipe the filling into the center of each muffin batter.
- Fill any empty muffin cups halfway with water (this helps with even rising).
- Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy these Gingerbread Cream Cheese Muffins, a delightful treat that brings a touch of holiday magic to your table! 🧁🎄✨