It’s pumpkin spice season, and I have a confession: I’m a little obsessed with Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. That perfect blend of warm pumpkin spice and tangy cream cheese? It’s pure autumnal magic. The only problem? Those trips to Starbucks can add up! So, I decided to bring the magic home, creating a recipe that’s just as delicious (dare I say, even better?) and much easier on the wallet. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with these cozy little pockets of pumpkin spice heaven.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even if you’re a baking newbie. I’ll walk you through every step, from mixing the batter to creating that luscious cream cheese swirl. I’ve also included some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way to ensure your muffins turn out bakery-perfect every time. Get ready to wow your family and friends with your own homemade version of this seasonal favorite!
Why You’ll Love It
These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are more than just a delicious treat; they’re a little slice of autumnal bliss. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Perfect Flavor Harmony: The warm, inviting spice of pumpkin perfectly complements the tangy richness of the cream cheese filling. It’s a match made in pumpkin spice heaven.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so you can enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss.
- Starbucks Quality at Home: You get to enjoy the same delightful flavors of your favorite coffee shop treat without even leaving your kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These muffins are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a cozy treat all to yourself.
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
Enjoy the flavors of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home with this easy recipe. The perfect blend of pumpkin spice and tangy cream cheese filling creates a delightful fall treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (240g)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and milk.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter, then add a dollop of cream cheese filling.
- Swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter (optional).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. To prevent soggy muffins, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing muffins:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (240g)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. This ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for even distribution of flavors.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and milk. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the heart of these muffins.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the pumpkin batter. Then, add a dollop (about a tablespoon) of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter.
Step 7: Swirl (Optional)
For a beautiful swirl effect, gently use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cream cheese filling into the pumpkin batter. This step is purely aesthetic, but it adds a touch of elegance.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary, and you don’t want to overbake.
Step 9: Cool
Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to eat them right away (though I won’t judge you if you do!).
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once cooled, dive in! These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep for a few days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling. No one likes lumpy cream cheese!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Let the muffins cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy. Check out our tips for perfect breakfast muffins any time of year.
- Freezing for Later: These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Make It Your Way
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a tablespoon of melted chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Streusel Topping: Create a simple streusel topping with flour, butter, and sugar and sprinkle it over the muffins before baking.
- Explore our delicious desserts for more inspiration!
What makes Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins so popular?
The combination of warm pumpkin spice and tangy cream cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a beloved fall treat.
What ingredients do I need to make these muffins at home?
You’ll need basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree. For the filling, you’ll need cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Of course, don’t forget the star of the show – pumpkin pie spice!
How do I make Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home?
It’s simple! Start by preparing the muffin batter and cream cheese filling separately. Fill your muffin liners with batter, then add a dollop of cream cheese filling. Swirl it in if you like, and bake until golden.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
How to Serve
These muffins are delightful on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:
- Warm It Up: Gently warm the muffins in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This enhances the flavors and creates an even cozier feel.
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a warm muffin with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Brunch Delight: Serve these muffins as part of a festive brunch spread. They pair perfectly with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
- Dessert Treat: Top a warm muffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Looking for lighter breakfast fare? Try our delicious Korean recipes.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my take on the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. I hope this recipe brings a touch of autumnal warmth and deliciousness to your home. Baking is my love language, and nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Now go forth and bake some pumpkin spice magic!
For more inspiration, explore our collection of fall recipes.
