PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS - Kim Hendricks

Ingredients

Adjust amounts for a smaller or larger batch

Directions

Notes

Combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Once blended, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 24+ muffin pans with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla and oil. Mix on low speed until blended. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. To assemble the muffins: Fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (2 tablespoons). Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the very center of each cup. Divide the remaining batter among the cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely. Muffins should be filled ¾ full. Sprinkle a tablespoon of the streusel mixture on top of each muffin. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. The cream cheese filling will be very hot!Combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Add in the butter pieces and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Transfer to the refrigerator until ready to use.