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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins (Soft, Moist & Bakery Style) - A Cozy Treat for Any Day

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the muffins:
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons red gel food coloring (or 1 tablespoon liquid)
  • For the cream cheese swirl:
  • 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or powdered sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk (optional but helps set the swirl)

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring until well blended.
  5. Make the batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir with a spatula just until combined. A few small lumps are fine—do not overmix.
  6. Fill the cups: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Add the swirl: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
  8. Bake high, then lower: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the red velvet portion comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. The cream cheese sets as they cool.
  10. Serve: Enjoy slightly warm or at room temperature. The flavor deepens after a few hours.