Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease muffin tins with oil or butter, or line with muffin liners.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, one egg, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Pour the mixture into or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roll the parchment paper to form a log. Freeze it as you make the muffin batter, up to 1 hour.

Step 3

Mix the rest of the ingredients (except for the cream cheese and nuts, if using) in a large bowl until well-combined. Pour the batter over the muffin tins until filled half-way.

Step 4

Unwrap the cream cheese mixture and slice with a sharp knife to form discs. Each disc should be about 1-2 teaspoons worth. If the log is too big, slice them into thick discs and then cut them in half.

Step 5

Place a disc into each muffin tin and press it down. Top the muffins with chopped nuts (if using).

Step 6

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, making sure not to touch the cream cheese center, to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are done.

Step 7

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before taking them out. Place the muffins on a rack to cool completely.