Pin Recipe Moist, tender muffins flavored with sweet tea and enriched with creamy cheese, perfect for a unique breakfast or afternoon treat.
I first baked these Cream Cheese Sweet Tea Muffins on a rainy Sunday morning, inspired by Southern sweet tea and my family's love for creamy baked goods. The aroma of tea and lemon filling the kitchen brings back fond memories each time.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 115 g (4 oz), softened
- Unsalted butter: 60 g (1/4 cup), softened
- Whole milk: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Strong brewed sweet tea: 60 ml (1/4 cup), cooled
- All-purpose flour: 200 g (1 2/3 cups)
- Granulated sugar: 130 g (2/3 cup)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and tin:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs and flavors:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.
- Prepare liquid mixture:
- Combine milk and cooled sweet tea.
- Combine mixtures:
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk-tea mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined
- Portion batter:
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin Recipe My kids love helping to finish these muffins with a honey drizzle, and sharing them over a weekend breakfast is now a cherished family tradition.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, cooling rack
Nutritional Information
Each muffin provides about 190 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with honey butter or a lemon glaze, or add blueberries for a fruity twist.
Pin Recipe Try serving these sweet tea muffins warm from the oven—they're irresistible with a dollop of honey butter. Perfect for creating new breakfast memories.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these muffins their unique flavor?
Sweet tea and cream cheese create an aromatic, tender crumb with a light, distinctive taste.
- → Can I add fruit to these muffins?
Yes, blueberries or raspberries add a fresh twist. Fold in about 1/2 cup for fruity variation.
- → How do I ensure a moist texture?
Alternate wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing for best results.
- → What toppings pair well with these muffins?
Honey butter or a lemon glaze both complement their subtle sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain dairy and eggs but no meat products, making them suitable for vegetarian diets.
- → How should I store leftover muffins?
Cool them fully, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.