Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)
Make Starbucks-style pumpkin cream cheese muffins at home with this easy recipe. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall baking!
Craving the cozy flavors of fall? These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are the ultimate treat, inspired by the beloved Starbucks version. Imagine a moist, spiced pumpkin muffin with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling—every bite is pure autumn bliss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of warm pumpkin spice and rich cream cheese makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this Starbucks favorite in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
These muffins are a fall baking essential for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the pumpkin puree and a touch of oil. The cream cheese filling adds a luxurious, tangy contrast that elevates every bite. Plus, they’re packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making them the perfect cozy treat.
Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tin. And because they’re so versatile, you can easily adapt them to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer them plain, with a streusel topping, or even a drizzle of glaze, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious muffins:
- For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Follow these simple steps to create your own Starbucks-inspired muffins at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the pumpkin batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin, then top with more pumpkin batter until the cups are about ¾ full.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Here are some expert tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Filling the cups ¾ full ensures the muffins rise evenly without overflowing.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few simple additions:
- Drizzle with Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Add a Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Instructions
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, flax eggs, and a plant-based milk alternative.
Common Questions About Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense muffins.
- Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Fill each cup ¾ full to ensure even rising without overflowing.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
- Add a Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned.
- Store Properly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze muffins for up to 3 months and reheat as needed.
