Save Tender, fluffy muffins with a rich cream cheese center and warming chai spices—a delightful twist on classic biscuit muffins perfect for breakfast or teatime.
I first baked these muffins on a chilly weekend for my family breakfast. The fragrant spices filled the kitchen, and everyone loved discovering the creamy center as they enjoyed their muffins with morning chai.
Ingredients
- Muffin Batter: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Filling: 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional Topping: 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Add Butter:
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Prepare Filling:
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer & Fill:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon batter into each muffin cup. Add a heaping teaspoon cream cheese filling in center, then cover with remaining batter, spreading to seal filling inside.
- Add Topping:
- Mix optional topping ingredients and sprinkle over muffins.
- Bake:
- Bake 18–22 minutes, or until golden and toothpick inserted in muffin (not cream cheese) comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool in tin for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save Our family enjoys these every fall during weekend breakfasts. The moment you break one open and see the creamy center feels like a special treat for everyone at the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls are essential for batching both the batter and the filling, and a sturdy muffin tin ensures even baking and beautiful muffins every time.
Allergen Information
These muffins contain wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs, so check labels for cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each muffin provides about 230 calories, 11 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save Enjoy these tender, spiced muffins fresh out of the oven, or save a few for a quick and satisfying snack to brighten your afternoon.
Recipe Guide
- → What gives these muffins their airy texture?
The combination of cold, cubed butter and careful mixing creates a biscuit-like, tender crumb that stays light and fluffy.
- → How is the cream cheese filling added?
A spoonful of batter is placed in each cup, followed by cream cheese mixture, then more batter to seal the filling inside.
- → Can I adjust the chai spice blend?
Absolutely! Add black pepper or allspice for extra warmth, or vary cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg to taste.
- → What is the best way to serve them?
Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally paired with chai tea, coffee, or a spiced latte.
- → Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes, the muffins are naturally vegetarian as they contain no meat and use dairy products only.
- → Is there a lighter option for the filling?
Use low-fat cream cheese for a reduced-calorie filling while still preserving the creamy center and flavor.