Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easy to remove once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly combined to ensure even distribution in the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be slightly lumpy for a tender, fluffy muffin texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another small bowl, beat together the 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the gooey filling that surprises your taste buds with every bite.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Liners

Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the muffin batter. Next, place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin. Top with additional muffin batter, filling each liner about three-quarters full. Make sure the cream cheese is fully covered.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Sprinkle the top of each muffin generously with cinnamon sugar. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft, gooey center.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown, and the cinnamon sugar topping will create a crispy layer on top.

Step 9: Drizzle with Optional Toppings

For an extra decadent touch, you can drizzle the muffins with melted vanilla cream or white chocolate once they’ve cooled slightly. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes these muffins even more irresistible.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!