Brown Butter Pistachio Cream Cheese Muffins
Indulge in these Brown Butter Pistachio Cream Cheese Muffins, featuring a rich brown butter batter filled with a creamy cream cheese center and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. These delicious muffins offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or a snack.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Unsalted butter
Raw unsalted shelled pistachios
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Olive oil
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Milk of choice
Granulated sugar
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Cream cheese
Salted butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Tips for making Brown Butter Pistachio Cream Cheese Muffins:
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality pistachios, butter, and cream cheese to ensure the best flavor and texture in your muffins.
Brown the Butter: To brown the butter, melt it in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
Cool the Butter: Allow the browned butter to cool slightly before adding it to the batter. This prevents the heat from affecting the texture of the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Filling: Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. Chill the filling to make it easier to handle and prevent it from melting too quickly during baking.
Streusel Topping: Make the cinnamon streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Chill the streusel before using to keep it from melting too quickly.
Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can result in dense muffins.
Layer the Batter: Fill each muffin cup with batter, then fill with the cream cheese filling.
Generous Streusel Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon streusel generously over the top of each muffin before baking.
Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the muffins. This helps them rise properly and bake evenly.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the muffins until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 25-27 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Cool Before Serving: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the muffins set and makes them easier to handle.
Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm muffins, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This helps restore their freshly baked texture.
How to store Brown Butter Pistachio Cream Cheese Muffins:
Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture and keep the muffins from becoming soggy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the muffins to come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing: To store the muffins for an extended period, freeze them. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
Preventing Soggy Muffins: To prevent the muffins from becoming soggy, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers.
Reheating: To enjoy the muffins warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This helps restore their freshly baked texture and keeps the cinnamon streusel topping crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the muffins soggy.
Storing Muffin Batter: If you want to prepare the batter ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fill the muffin cups and add the streusel topping just before baking.
Storing Streusel Topping: If you have leftover streusel topping, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it as a topping for other baked goods like muffins, coffee cakes, or pies.
Transporting Muffins: When transporting muffins, use a muffin carrier or a sturdy container with a lid to keep them intact and prevent the streusel topping from getting crushed.
Check out my other pistachio recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these brown butter pistachio cream cheese muffins. Happy baking!