Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

There’s something magical about that first bite into a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins — the way the spiced cake gives way to that sweet, creamy center, it’s like fall wrapped in a golden paper liner. I remember the first time I tried one at a tiny Starbucks tucked inside a Barnes & Noble on a rainy October afternoon. It was warm in my hands, soft, rich, and not too sweet — just right. That memory stuck with me, so much so that I decided to recreate that very moment in my own kitchen.

Now, I don’t have to wait for pumpkin season or pay $4.95 every time the craving hits. These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins bring that same bakery-shop joy into your home with pantry-staple ingredients and a touch of homemade heart. Whether you’re baking for brunch, sharing at work, or treating yourself on a Sunday morning, this muffin is more than a snack — it’s a little slice of comfort.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cream cheese center adds a luscious, tangy surprise that pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin muffin.

It’s easy to make — no stand mixer required and just one bowl for the batter!

You can prep these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins in under 20 minutes and bake them in just 15–20.

They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy a taste of fall all season long.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a cozy, coffee-shop-style treat at home, and it’s an approachable bake even for beginners.

The topping of spiced pumpkin seeds brings a delightful crunch and finishes the muffin just like the real thing!

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Ingredient Overview

These muffins are all about warm spices, smooth cream cheese, and that unmistakable pumpkin richness. Each bite of these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins delivers layers of texture and flavor that feel like fall in a wrapper.

• Pure Pumpkin Purée: Rich and smooth, it’s the heart of the muffin. Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: That cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves ties the flavors together.

• Cream Cheese: Softened and lightly sweetened, it’s piped into the center for a creamy core.

• Pumpkin Seeds: Tossed in spice and sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and authentic Starbucks-style finish.

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the batter, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins soft and moist for days.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure while keeping the crumb tender.

• Eggs and Milk: They bind and enrich the batter.

• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor of both the muffin and the cream cheese swirl.

Tip: Garnish the tops with extra pumpkin seeds and a light dusting of sugar right before baking for that café-style sparkle.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Give those liners a light mist of non-stick baking spray — it makes a world of difference when removing your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins cleanly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and pumpkin purée until smooth and glossy. Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar, blending until everything looks rich and golden.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor

Crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, and add the vanilla extract. Whisk gently to keep the mixture airy but well-combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Use a spatula to fold the mixture just until combined. Overmixing here can make your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners

Spoon the batter into your prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full. You should get 14 lovely muffins from this batch.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, milk, and salt together until completely smooth — about 3–4 minutes. This sweet tangy swirl is the soul of your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

Step 7: Pipe in the Filling

Scoop the filling into a plastic sandwich bag and snip off the corner. Press the tip into the center of each muffin and squeeze gently until you see a bit peek out at the top.
Tip: Spray the back of your spoon before creating an indentation in the muffin tops — the batter won’t stick that way!

Step 8: Add the Crunchy Topping

Toss pumpkin seeds with a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle a few on top of each muffin to give your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins that signature look and crunch.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Muffins should look set around the edges but may jiggle slightly in the center — don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool.

Pro Tips

Don’t rush the cream cheese. Let it soften fully before mixing so your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins have that dreamy, silky filling without lumps or streaks.

Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag) for the filling — it helps get the swirl right into the center and makes these muffins look like they came straight out of a café bakery case.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days. They stay moist and tender thanks to the oil and pumpkin, and that creamy center holds beautifully.

Want the tops to rise evenly? Let your filled muffin tin sit on the counter for 5 minutes before baking — this little rest helps with even doming.

Pair your muffins with a fall-themed drink like these cozy Pumpkin Cold Foam Recipes. It’s a match made in pumpkin heaven.

Variations

Swap the pumpkin seeds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch that still feels right at home on Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

Make them gluten-free by using your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour — no other changes needed!

If you want to lighten things up, try using Neufchâtel cheese in the filling instead of full-fat cream cheese. Same flavor, slightly less rich.

Looking for more pumpkin magic? These Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese bring similar flavor but with a different texture and shape — great for mixing things up!

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before baking for a lightly crackled sweet top that sparkles with autumn flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins shine at every table. Serve them alongside a spiced latte, hot apple cider, or your favorite fall tea for an indulgent autumn breakfast. If you’re planning a cozy brunch or hosting a seasonal get-together, pair them with something savory like a cheesy frittata or smoky bacon strips for contrast. They’re also delicious with a homemade drink like this Pumpkin Chai Latte — the warm spices blend beautifully with the creamy, tangy filling. These muffins aren’t just for breakfast — they’re lovely tucked into lunchboxes or set out on a cake stand during holiday gatherings.

Conclusion

Autumn baking just hits different — and these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins prove why. With soft, moist pumpkin crumb, a sweet surprise of cream cheese in the center, and a lightly spiced crunch on top, every bite is layered with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re savoring one quietly with your morning coffee or handing out a dozen to neighbors on the porch, you’ll feel that familiar cozy pull of fall. For more seasonal muffin goodness, don’t miss this comforting Pumpkin Muffins Recipe — it’s another family favorite around here.

Try this recipe soon, and when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go full copycat or add your own twist? Share your version on Pinterest or tag us on your favorite social platform — I always adore seeing what’s baking in your kitchens.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!