Light as a cloud and decadently creamy, these Japanese cotton cheesecake cupcakes float on the tongue — perfect when you want an elegant, fuss-free dessert that still feels special.
Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla until the mixture is silky.
Whisk the egg yolks in, one at a time, blending well after each addition so the base stays uniform.
In a separate, clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they hold soft, glossy peaks — not dry.
Fold a small scoop of the whipped whites into the cream cheese batter to loosen it, then gently fold in the remainder in two batches. Use a spatula and lift from the bottom to preserve the air.
Sift the flour and salt over the batter and fold just until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the tops turn a pale gold and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cupcakes rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.