Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are one of the most beloved seasonal treats at Starbucks, combining the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese filling. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and have just the right amount of sweetness, making them a perfect way to celebrate the fall season. With this recipe, you can recreate the Starbucks favorite at home, with all the delicious flavors you love. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Read on to discover how to make these delicious muffins, along with tips and variations to make them your own!

What are Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are moist, spiced pumpkin muffins filled with a rich and tangy cream cheese center. They’re topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds for a bit of texture and flavor, making them a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. These muffins are a fall favorite, combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all in a convenient handheld treat.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pumpkin cream cheese muffins:

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, providing a rich, creamy texture.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.

For the Pumpkin Muffins:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit more lift to the muffins.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The primary spice that brings warmth to the muffins.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the pumpkin with a hint of spice.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: For an extra layer of warm spice.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (or a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar): Sweetens the muffins and adds moisture.
1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful color.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter): Keeps the muffins moist.
¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and helps the muffins rise.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Topping:

2-3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vegan: Replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and substitute the milk with a plant-based milk.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Pumpkin Spice Variation: Add more spices like cardamom or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Add-ins: Stir in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the tops with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious pumpkin cream cheese muffins that rival your favorite coffee shop treat:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Prepare the Pumpkin Muffins:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with non-stick spray.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Assemble the Muffins:

Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway.
Add the Cream Cheese Filling: Place a small dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture in the center of the batter in each muffin cup.
Top with More Batter: Spoon additional pumpkin batter over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely. The muffin cups should be about ¾ full.
Sprinkle with Pumpkin Seeds: Evenly sprinkle the tops of the muffins with pumpkin seeds (pepitas).

Bake the Muffins:

Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step to ensure your pumpkin cream cheese muffins turn out perfectly:

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth filling. If it’s too cold, the filling may be lumpy.
Mixing the Muffin Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins.
Assembling the Muffins: Be careful not to overfill the muffin cups. Leaving space allows the muffins to rise properly and prevents overflow.
Baking Time: Check the muffins around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking. The tops should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near the edge (away from the cream cheese) should come out clean.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your pumpkin cream cheese muffins turn out delicious every time, avoid these common mistakes:

Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the muffins to be dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t mix smoothly and could result in lumpy filling.
Overfilling the Muffin Cups: Overfilling can cause the muffins to overflow and bake unevenly. Fill the cups about ¾ full.
Skipping the Topping: The pumpkin seeds not only add flavor but also create a nice texture contrast, so don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some tips for serving and presenting them:

Serve Warm: These muffins are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the cream cheese center is soft and creamy.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Pumpkin cream cheese muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte for a cozy fall breakfast or snack.
Garnish with Extra Spices: For a festive touch, dust the tops with a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Make It a Dessert: Serve these muffins as a dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on your preference:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve the muffins as part of a fall-themed breakfast or brunch spread.
As a Snack: These muffins make a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack, especially with a warm beverage.
For a Holiday Treat: Serve these muffins at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or parties for a seasonal treat that everyone will love.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Elevate the presentation of your pumpkin cream cheese muffins with these ideas:

Rustic Basket: Line a basket with a cloth napkin and fill it with warm muffins for a cozy, rustic look.
On a Cake Stand: Arrange the muffins on a cake stand for an elegant presentation at a brunch or party.
Decorative Toppings: Top the muffins with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of icing for added visual appeal.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Tips

To make the best pumpkin cream cheese muffins every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the cream cheese, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter and filling.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the muffins as they bake to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry. The tops should be set and slightly golden.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the spices or add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to suit your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

A: Yes! These muffins can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. They stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I store leftover muffins?

A: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Q: Can I freeze pumpkin cream cheese muffins?

A: Yes, you can freeze these muffins. Once completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

Q: Can I make mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins?

A: Absolutely! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, or until the muffins are set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a delicious and festive way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their moist, spiced pumpkin batter and creamy, tangy filling, these muffins are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or serving them at a holiday gathering, these muffins are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy baking (and eating!) these delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins!