Save A playful fusion of sweet and savory: fluffy muffins swirled with gooey cheese and dusted in cinnamon sugar, inspired by classic churros.
I created these muffins on a whim for a weekend snack challenge and they became an instant family favorite. The swirling cheese and rich cinnamon sugar elevate simple muffins into an exciting treat!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (115 g) plus 2 tbsp (30 g) for topping
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Cream cheese (softened): 1/2 cup (55 g)
- Granulated sugar (for topping): 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare Tin & Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter:
- Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Cheese Filling:
- Mix shredded mozzarella and softened cream cheese in a small bowl.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add 1 tablespoon cheese mixture. Top with remaining batter until cups are 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the edge comes out clean.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar:
- While muffins bake, mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for topping.
- Top Muffins:
- Cool muffins 5 minutes, brush tops with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Save My kids love helping brush the warm muffins with butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar. Sharing these gooey treats right out of the oven is now a tradition we look forward to together.
Required Tools
All you need is a 12-cup muffin tin, basic mixing bowls, a whisk, spatula, and a pastry brush for the tasty topping.
Allergen Information
This recipe includes milk, eggs, wheat (gluten); cheese may contain animal rennet. Always verify labels for allergies if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin provides 255 calories, 11 g fat, 33 g carbs, and 6 g protein for a hearty snack or dessert.
Save Serve these muffins warm for best results. Their sweet-savory goodness is sure to spark smiles at any snack time!
Kitchen Guide
- → What kind of cheese works best for the filling?
Mozzarella offers creamy meltability, but sharp cheddar creates a tangy twist. Soft cream cheese is also essential for smooth texture.
- → How should I prevent overmixing the batter?
Stir wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so mix gently for a tender crumb.
- → Can I add extra fillings?
For crunch or richness, fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of dulce de leche before baking.
- → How do I achieve the classic churro flavor?
Generous cinnamon and sugar topping after baking brings out authentic churro notes. Serve warm for best results.
- → What tools do I need?
A muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, and pastry brush are helpful for assembling, baking, and topping these muffins.
- → Can I make these muffins vegetarian?
Yes. Use cheeses labeled vegetarian to avoid animal rennet and check all labels for possible animal-derived additives.