Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins

Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins are rich, moist, bakery-style muffins with a luscious cream cheese swirl in every bite. They’re the perfect combination of fluffy chocolate cake and creamy cheesecake — making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how easy these muffins are to make, yet they look and taste like they came straight from a café. The chocolate muffin is soft and decadent, while the sweet cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast. They’re perfect for meal prepping, bake sales, or surprising someone with a homemade treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Milk or buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with chocolate batter. Add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with more chocolate batter until cups are about 3/4 full.
7. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter if desired.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin part (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
9. Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 muffins. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking time is 18-20 minutes.

Variations

• Add a handful of raspberries or chopped strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chips for richer flavor.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar or chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Add a swirl of Nutella with the cream cheese for extra indulgence.
• Make mini muffins for bite-sized treats — just reduce baking time by a few minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. These muffins also freeze well — wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

What makes these muffins so moist?

The combination of oil, eggs, and buttermilk keeps them super soft and tender.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives the best creamy texture.

Do I have to swirl the cream cheese?

No, you can leave it as a center filling for a cheesecake bite.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for baking ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer.

Can I use cupcake liners?

Absolutely — they make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Why did my muffins sink?

Overmixing or underbaking can cause sinking — be sure to mix just until combined and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add nuts?

Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for crunch.

Should I serve them warm or cold?

They’re delicious both ways, but warm muffins have an extra melty texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just bake in two batches or use two muffin pans.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins are the best of both worlds — rich chocolate flavor with a creamy cheesecake swirl that makes every bite special. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get one. Whip up a batch today for an indulgent treat you’ll crave again and again!

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