These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are inspired by the beloved Starbucks treat, but better because you can make them right at home! The warmth of pumpkin and fall spices combined with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling creates an irresistible flavor. Perfect for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea, these muffins offer a homemade, seasonal delight. The best part? They’re easy to prepare and taste even fresher than the bakery version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These muffins have a fluffy texture with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and create a fresh, homemade alternative to store-bought versions. They’re a cozy treat for cool autumn mornings or as a snack with your favorite warm drink.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- All-purpose flour: The base for structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the muffins rise.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of spices for that classic fall flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree: Gives the muffins a moist texture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Melted butter: Adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: For extra depth of flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: Softened, for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the filling.
- Milk: Helps to make the filling smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin tin with liners or non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix to avoid dense muffins.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble muffins: Fill muffin liners ¾ full with the pumpkin batter. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Tips:
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
- Be careful not to over-mix the batter; doing so can lead to tough muffins.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the cream cheese filling.
Helpful Tips:
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: While it’s not recommended, some readers have had success freezing the muffins. If you try it, wrap them individually to preserve their shape and texture.
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Notes:
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or additional pumpkin pie spice on top of the muffins before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these muffins without dairy? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
- Can I use homemade pumpkin puree? Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-drained and not too watery.
- What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Storage Instructions:
Keep these muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
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Conclusion:
These Starbucks-inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate fall treat. With warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a sweet cream cheese center, they’re sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the cozy fall vibes!
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Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Description
Pumpkin season is here, and what better way to enjoy it than with these delicious homemade pumpkin cream cheese muffins? Inspired by Starbucks’ popular treat, these muffins are perfect for fall, combining rich pumpkin flavor with a sweet, creamy filling. The aroma of pumpkin pie spices will fill your kitchen and make these muffins hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- All-purpose flour: The base for structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the muffins rise.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of spices for that classic fall flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree: Gives the muffins a moist texture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Melted butter: Adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: For extra depth of flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: Softened, for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the filling.
- Milk: Helps to make the filling smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin tin with liners or non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix to avoid dense muffins.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble muffins: Fill muffin liners ¾ full with the pumpkin batter. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or additional pumpkin pie spice on top of the muffins before baking.