Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Bliss: The Ultimate Muffin Recipe

Craving a deliciously indulgent treat that won’t derail your Weight Watchers goals? Look no further than these Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins! These soft, fluffy muffins are filled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a luscious cream cheese filling that provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. They’re the ideal breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert when you’re craving something indulgent but still WW-friendly. These muffins will delight your taste buds without the guilt!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or WW-friendly sweetener)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup skim milk

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz fat-free cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or WW-friendly sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or WW-friendly sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly coat the liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Make the Muffin Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, and skim milk.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix, as this could lead to dense muffins.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the fat-free cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Set the filling aside while you prepare the cinnamon swirl.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Assemble the Muffins

1. Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin cup, filling them about halfway.
2. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter in each muffin cup.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar swirl over the cream cheese filling.
4. Top each muffin with the remaining muffin batter, covering the cream cheese and cinnamon filling completely.
5. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture slightly into the muffin batter for that signature cinnamon gooeyness.

Bake the Muffins

1. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine).
2. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

(Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~4

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

1. Perfectly Sweet & Gooey: The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and cinnamon-sugar swirl provides a gooey, indulgent treat that tastes like it came from a bakery.
2. Lightened-Up Delight: With Greek yogurt and applesauce replacing some of the heavier ingredients, these muffins are lighter than the typical cinnamon rolls but still have that soft, comforting texture.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, these muffins come together quickly and don’t require special baking skills.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these muffins are a great option to keep on hand when you need something sweet but don’t want to derail your healthy eating plan.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: For light, fluffy muffins, be careful not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
• Make It Your Own: You can add raisins, nuts, or even a few chocolate chips to the muffin batter for a fun twist.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter muffin, feel free to add a little more sugar or sweetener to taste.
• Use a Muffin Scoop: To ensure even muffin sizes, use a muffin scoop to fill each cup.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a light breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Top with a Dollop of Greek Yogurt: For an extra creamy treat, top your muffin with a spoonful of non-fat Greek yogurt or whipped topping.

These Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are a Weight Watchers-friendly way to enjoy a decadent treat without the guilt. With their soft, fluffy texture, gooey cream cheese filling, and irresistible cinnamon swirl, they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or a special treat, these muffins will become a go-to recipe for satisfying your cravings while staying on track with your health goals. Enjoy the sweet goodness with every bite!