Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of unsalted butter until light and fluffy.

Combine Brown Sugar: Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and beat until glossy.

Incorporate Eggs and Flavoring: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry mixture and ½ cup of milk to the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in your choice of mix-ins like 1 cup of chocolate chips or berries.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease it.

Fill Muffin Cups: Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter.

Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.