Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Snug Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Delight

Autumn whispers comfort through seasonal Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins that capture the essence of crisp mornings and warm spices.

These delectable treats blend rich pumpkin with creamy cheese in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The recipe brings bakery-style magic right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Soft, tender muffins emerge from the oven with a golden crown of crumbly streusel topping that adds delightful texture.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic throughout, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home.

Bake these muffins and transform an ordinary morning into a celebration of fall’s most cherished flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

For Muffin Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and fluffy texture for the perfect muffin base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist crumb.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and become light.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and enhances overall taste of the muffin.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings warming autumn spices that complement the pumpkin flavor.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers rich, earthy pumpkin flavor and moisture to the muffins.
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates tender, soft texture and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and provides structure to the muffin.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the warm spice flavors.
For Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, rich filling that contrasts beautifully with the spiced muffin.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cream cheese flavor with subtle sweetness.
Optional Topping:
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the muffin top.

Muffin Tools for a Bakery-Worthy Batch

  • Large Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and cream cheese filling.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup pan to shape and bake muffins perfectly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps fold and mix ingredients without overmixing.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Creates smooth, creamy cream cheese filling.
  • Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness by testing center.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly after baking.
  • Paper Muffin Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Baking Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins at Home

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and grab your muffin tin. Dress it up with paper liners so your delicious treats have a comfy home.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients

Dump flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a big bowl. Whisk them together until they’re best friends.

  • Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until everything looks smooth and happy.

  • Create Muffin Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together – don’t go crazy mixing or your muffins might get tough.

  • Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until it’s silky and dreamy.

  • Fill and Stuff Muffins

Scoop batter into muffin cups, leaving some room at the top. Drop a dollop of cream cheese filling right in the center.

  • Sprinkle and Bake

If you want, scatter some pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch. Slide the pan into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins hang out in the pan for a few minutes, then move them to a cooling rack. Get ready to devour these autumn-inspired treats!

Muffin Tips for Texture and Flavor

  • Prep the muffin batter and cream cheese filling separately and store them in the refrigerator overnight for a stress-free morning baking experience.
  • These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for quick breakfast or snack options.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Experiment with different toppings like chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to add extra texture and depth to the muffins.

Sharing Pumpkin Muffins the Cozy Way

  • Autumn Cozy Companion: Pair these warm muffins with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall comfort experience.
  • Breakfast Bliss Plate: Serve alongside crispy bacon and a dollop of whipped honey butter to create a decadent morning meal that balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • Dessert Elegance: Transform these muffins into a stunning dessert by drizzling caramel sauce and adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious after-dinner treat.
  • Party Presentation Hack: Arrange muffins on a rustic wooden board with scattered pumpkin seeds and cinnamon sticks for an Instagram-worthy autumn gathering centerpiece.

Storing Muffins Without Losing Freshness

  • Keep muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stack them gently with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate cream cheese texture.
  • Allow muffins to reach room temperature before serving for the most delicious flavor and softest bite. Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to enjoying to enhance their natural sweetness.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These tasty treats will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or quickly at room temperature for a spontaneous breakfast or snack.
  • Prepare the muffin batter and cream cheese filling separately the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake fresh in the morning for maximum flavor and minimal morning preparation stress.
Print
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Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Signature Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins blend autumn’s warmth with creamy indulgence, marrying spiced pumpkin batter and rich cream cheese center. Seasonal comfort awaits you in each delectable bite, promising coffeehouse magic right from home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.75 cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup (30 g) shelled, unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Dry Mixture: Combine flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Wet Blend: Whisk pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
  4. Batter Creation: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes silky and holds a creamy texture.
  6. Muffin Assembly: Fill each muffin cup approximately three-quarters full with batter, then carefully deposit a dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each.
  7. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds across the muffin tops for added crunch and visual appeal.
  8. Baking Process: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) until it emerges clean.
  9. Cooling Stage: Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring optimal texture and flavor development.

Notes

  • Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Carefully spoon cream cheese filling into center of batter to ensure even distribution and beautiful swirl effect.
  • Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better overall muffin consistency.
  • Swap pumpkin seeds with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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