Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tray with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this will lead to dense muffins.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the batter into the muffin liners, filling them halfway. Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling into each muffin cup, then top with remaining batter until all liners are filled.
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 tsp of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the muffins and drizzle with 2 tbsp of melted butter for added flavor.
Bake: Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy this gooey, cinnamon-infused treat!