Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins

Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins, offering a rich and indulgent treat for chocolate lovers. These moist and tender muffins feature a creamy cream cheese base infused with decadent cocoa powder and studded with melty milk chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Why Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins
Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them a delicious addition to any meal or occasion. The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a moist and flavorful muffin that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any time of day.
How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mixing the Batter:
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Baking:
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Top each muffin with reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling:
- Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins warm for breakfast or brunch alongside a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. They also make a delicious dessert option when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy them on their own or with a spread of your favorite fruit preserves for added sweetness.
Storage Info
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Some Techniques or Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper mixing and optimal texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense and tough muffins.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added crunch or sweetness.
Variation
For a tangy twist, try adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange zest to the batter for a chocolate-orange flavor combination. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
FAQs about Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if desired. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the muffins slightly.
- Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
- Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe. Simply add a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
- Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
- Yes, you can adjust the baking time and make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones. Simply reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center.
Recipe Card

Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, 113 g), at room temperature
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (61 g), at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (167 g)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (79 g)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (182 g), reserving a few for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
- Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Top each muffin with a few reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.