Nothing says cozy autumn like the aroma of freshly baked Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins wafting through your kitchen. These muffins are a delightful treat, combining the warm spices of pumpkin with a rich cream cheese filling that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. perfect fall dessert option Picture yourself on a brisk fall morning, your favorite sweater on, and a steaming cup of coffee in hand, savoring the perfect blend of moist muffin and creamy goodness. healthy pumpkin breakfast idea.

I remember the first time I tried one of these muffins at my local Starbucks. It was love at first bite! I had been running errands, and the enticing scent drew me in like a moth to a flame. Now, I make them at home and enjoy them not just in autumn but year-round. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as dessert when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These muffins are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- With their rich flavor profile, they are sure to impress everyone
- Their inviting golden color makes them visually appealing on any table
- Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack during coffee breaks
Sharing my homemade muffins with friends brings smiles that melt away any stress.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree for its rich flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
- All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works best for structure; you can substitute half with whole wheat for added nutrition.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness and moisture of the muffins.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This dynamic duo helps the muffins rise perfectly; make sure they’re fresh for optimal fluffiness.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These aromatic spices bring warmth; adjust according to your taste preference for extra kick.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; they also contribute to the muffin’s lovely texture.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and tanginess; choose low-fat versions if desired without sacrificing flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that decadent filling; let it sit out so it’s easy to mix.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all flavors beautifully; opt for pure extract for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking right from the start.
Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners for easy removal after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients in Another Bowl: In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Carefully: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix!
Create the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of sugar until smooth and set aside.
Fill Muffin Tins & Add Cream Cheese Filling : Spoon half of the muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a dollop of cream cheese mixture on top before covering with remaining batter.
Bake Until Golden Brown : Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or slightly crumbly.
Let these delightful Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins cool slightly before devouring them warm! The combination of spiced pumpkin goodness paired with creamy filling is simply irresistible — trust me on this one! pumpkin-themed treats. delicious cake for gatherings.
Enjoy baking these treats that bring joy not just through taste but also through shared moments around the table!
You Must Know
- These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with a cozy, fall aroma
- The creamy center contrasts beautifully with the spiced muffin, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee for an unbeatable combo
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients: mix dry first, then combine wet and fold gently. This method ensures even distribution without overmixing, which can lead to dense muffins.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for added nutrition or experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also add chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them, then reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for later use
- Allow them to cool completely before freezing to maintain their texture
- A touch of butter or cream cheese on top enhances their flavor wonderfully!
I remember the first time I made these muffins; my friends devoured them instantly, claiming they were better than the café version. It felt great knowing I could recreate such a delightful treat at home.
FAQ
What makes Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins special?
For more inspiration, check out this blueberry cream cheese muffins recipe.
Their unique combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy cheese filling creates a delightful balance.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for similar results.
How do I prevent my muffins from sinking?
Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Bursting with warm spices and a rich cream cheese filling, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With their delightful aroma and moist texture, you’ll find yourself making them year-round. Enjoy a homemade treat that brings comfort and joy to every occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of sugar until smooth.
- Divide half of the muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top and cover with remaining batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg