Coconut Cappuchino Muffins

 These heavenly muffins will transport you straight to paradise!

Coconut streusel:
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Combine all streusel ingredients in a bowl.  Blend using fingers to well incorporate.
Set aside while you prepare the remaining components.

Cappuccino batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons instant coffee such as Starbucks VIA (or sub. 1 ½ tbsp. espresso powder)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, combine milk and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved.  Add the butter and egg . Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full.  Set aside and prepare cream cheese filling.

Cream cheese filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium bowl beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar and egg on high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.
Add vanilla and mix.
Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a plain tip or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.  
Insert piping bag or corner into the cappuccino batter and pipe until the batter rises and fills the muffin cups two-thirds full. 
Alternatively, you may also spoon cream cheese mixture over cappuccino batter and swirl with a knife or skewer.  
Generously top with coconut streusel.
Bake at 375° for 13-15 minutes or until coconut is well toasted. 
Cover muffins with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent the coconut from over-browning and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.  
Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
​Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.