Valentine’s Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

Valentine’s Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 20-22 minutes Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Muffins:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Make the cream cheese filling:
   • Beat cream cheese until smooth
   • Add sugar, egg, and vanilla
   • Mix until well combined
   • Set aside
3. Prepare muffin batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
   • In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar
   • Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined
   • Don’t overmix
4. Assemble muffins:
   • Fill each muffin cup 1/3 full with red velvet batter
   • Add 1-2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture
   • Top with remaining red velvet batter
   • Use a toothpick to swirl slightly
5. Bake:
   • Place in preheated oven
   • Bake for 20-22 minutes
   • Test with toothpick – should come out clean
   • Let cool in pan for 5 minutes
   • Transfer to wire rack to cool completely

Tips:

• Bring all ingredients to room temperature
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Use gel food coloring for more intense color
• Fill cups only 2/3 full to prevent overflow

Storage:

• Store in airtight container in refrigerator
• Best consumed within 3-4 days
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months

Optional Decorations:

• Dust with powdered sugar
• Top with cream cheese frosting
• Add heart-shaped sprinkles
• Drizzle with white chocolate