# Components:
→ Muffin Batter
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
12 - 3/4 cup whole milk
13 - 1 large egg
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Filling
15 - 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Topping
18 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution.
03 - Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, incorporate cold cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture until coarse crumbs form.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until uniform. Pour over the dry mixture and gently fold to combine, stopping as soon as no dry spots remain.
05 - In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk until completely smooth.
06 - Spoon approximately one tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Top with a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center, then cover with remaining batter, ensuring the filling is sealed inside the muffin.
07 - Stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the tops of the muffins before baking.
08 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) emerges clean.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
