Save Tender fluffy muffins with a rich cream cheese center and warming chai spices. These biscuit muffins are a delightful twist on the classic and perfect for breakfast or teatime.
I first made these muffin biscuits for a weekend brunch where the mix of chai spices and cream cheese earned rave reviews from my family. They are now a comfort bake I return to whenever I want a cozy treat with tea or coffee.
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
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin or grease lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add cold butter and work in until the dough looks like coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk milk, egg and vanilla. Pour into dry mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
- Make Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer Muffins:
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, add a teaspoon of cream cheese filling, cover with remaining batter to seal.
- Add Topping:
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle on muffins.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in muffin (not cream cheese) comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool in tin for 5 minutes, transfer to rack and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Save My daughter loves helping sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping before baking and we always share these muffins fresh from the oven together as a family breakfast treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, muffin tin, electric mixer or whisk, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, wire rack.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, dairy and eggs. Double-check spice blend and baking powder labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin yields approximately 230 calories, 11 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates and 4 g protein.
Save Enjoy these muffins with a hot spiced latte or pack them for breakfast on the go. Their tender crumb and creamy center make them a satisfying treat every time.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a fluffy muffin texture?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the batter for light, tender muffins.
- → Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the filling?
Yes, substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter, yet still creamy center.
- → What chai spices are included in these muffins?
The muffins feature cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg for classic chai flavor.
- → Is an electric mixer necessary for the filling?
No, a whisk or fork will work to blend the cream cheese filling until smooth.
- → How should these be served for best flavor?
Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature; they're delicious paired with spiced tea.
- → How can I add extra spice?
A pinch of black pepper or allspice in the batter enhances the chai notes further.