1️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Muffin Batter:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).

3️⃣ Assemble the Muffins:

1. Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each liner. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, then cover with more muffin batter, filling each liner about 3/4 full.

4️⃣ Bake:

1. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.

5️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins and sprinkle with lemon zest for an extra zing.

6️⃣ Serve:

1. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the creamy, zesty explosion of flavor!