Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Oh wow, these pumpkin cream cheese muffins are everything! They’ve got that soft, pumpkin-spiced muffin with a surprise creamy center. Just perfect for fall vibes!

I tried baking them at home the other day, and let me tell you—they turned out so good. The pumpkin flavor is rich and cozy, and the cream cheese is just the right amount of sweet and tangy. They’re soft, moist, and full of fall flavor!

If you’re looking for an easy treat that feels fancy but is super simple, these muffins are it. You’ll love the soft muffin with that creamy surprise in the middle. Trust me, you’ll want to make these over and over!

So grab your pumpkin puree and cream cheese. Let’s bake up these Starbucks-inspired pumpkin cream cheese muffins at home. You’ll be amazed at how easy (and delicious) they are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-Quality at Home: These muffins have that irresistible flavor and texture you’d expect from Starbucks. They’re light, tender, and bursting with warm pumpkin spices.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the pumpkin muffin meets the tanginess of the cream cheese filling, with just the right hint of fall spices. It’s a flavor combination that works beautifully.
• Approachable Baking: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe breaks things down into simple, clear steps. You’ll be able to whip up a dozen muffins with ease.
• Versatile: Enjoy these muffins for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert. Plus, they freeze beautifully—just reheat and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

• Prep Time: About 20 minutes to mix the batter and filling.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes in the oven.
• Total Time: Around 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Yield: This recipe makes 12 standard-sized muffins. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or freezing for later.
• Skill Level: Easy to moderate. If you can measure, mix, and fill a muffin tin, you’ve got this!

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for the muffin batter, one for the cream cheese filling.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To make the cream cheese filling silky smooth.
• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin will do the job.
• Paper Liners: These keep the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for balanced flavor.
• Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowls and folding ingredients.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Large Spoon: Optional but handy for evenly portioning the batter.

Ingredients for Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Let’s break down what goes into these muffins. Think of this as your detailed shopping list with purpose for each ingredient:

• Pumpkin Purée (canned): This is the star ingredient. It adds moisture, flavor, and color to the muffins. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and a slight molasses flavor; granulated sugar keeps things sweet and balances the spices.
• Eggs: These provide structure and help the muffins rise. Use large eggs for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter makes the muffins tender and moist, with a rich flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the muffins.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leaveners give the muffins their light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These spices are what make pumpkin muffins taste so cozy and comforting. Feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
• Cream Cheese: The filling’s main ingredient. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Chopped Pumpkin Seeds: These add a bit of crunch and a pretty garnish to the muffins. You can use pepitas or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Variations for Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins are pretty perfect as they are, but if you want to put your own spin on them, here are a few simple tweaks:

• Add a Streusel Topping: Mix a bit of flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a crumbly topping that adds texture and sweetness.
• Use a Nut Filling: Swap out pumpkin seeds for finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty finish.
• Boost the Spice: Love a stronger spice flavor? Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves.
• Try Maple Cream Cheese: Mix a bit of maple syrup into the cream cheese filling for a sweet twist.
• Go Mini: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time for bite-sized treats.

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – Step-by-Step

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Make the Pumpkin Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the muffins tender.

3. Fill the Muffin Tin

Line the muffin tin with paper liners. Using a scoop or spoon, fill each liner about two-thirds full with the pumpkin batter. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin. If desired, sprinkle chopped pumpkin seeds over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

4. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are set and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.

5. Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cream cheese center will set as they cool, so be patient!

Serving and Decoration

These muffins are perfect as they are, but a few extra touches can elevate them:

• Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: They’re delicious fresh from the oven or served at room temp.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a bakery-style look, lightly dust cooled muffins with powdered sugar.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: They make a great companion to your morning latte or afternoon tea.

Storing Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigerate muffins for longer storage, up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time for easy mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Even Filling: Use a small scoop for the cream cheese to make sure every muffin has an even amount.
• Line Your Pan: Paper liners make cleanup easy and help muffins release cleanly.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the pumpkin part of the muffin. If it comes out clean, they’re done.

Nutrition (Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290 kcal
Fat	~14g
Carbohydrates	~37g
Protein	~4g
Sugar	~21g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~240mg

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
A: Yes, homemade pumpkin purée works well. Just make sure it’s thick and not watery, as too much moisture can affect the texture of the muffins.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?
A: You can, but the cream cheese gives these muffins their signature flavor. You could try a dollop of sweetened ricotta or a swirl of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt, but they’ll have a different texture.

Q3: How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?
A: Place the cream cheese filling gently on top of the batter and avoid overmixing it into the batter. It will naturally settle into the center while baking.

Q4: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

Q5: Can I freeze the muffins after baking?
A: Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before enjoying.

Conclusion

These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect way to bring a taste of your favorite coffee shop into your kitchen. With tender pumpkin-spiced muffins and a luscious cream cheese center, they’re a wonderful treat for any time of year—but especially cozy in fall. Whether you enjoy them as breakfast, a snack, or a sweet finish to a meal, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.