Gingerbread Cream Cheese Muffins with Spiced Batter

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 9 muffin cups with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, egg, buttermilk, and Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
3. 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.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
5. 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.
6. Fill any empty muffin cups halfway with water (this helps with even rising).
7. Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 12 minutes.
8. 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! 🧁🎄✨