Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Cozy Fall Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Coffee enthusiasts often dream about recreating their favorite starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins at home with surprising ease.

Seasonal spices swirl through soft, tender crumb waiting to delight your taste buds.

Autumn’s beloved flavors merge perfectly in this bakery-style treat that feels luxurious yet simple.

Rich cream cheese filling adds unexpected moments of pure indulgence to each bite.

Warm pumpkin notes dance alongside comforting cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a nostalgic experience.

Baking these muffins fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that welcome cooler weather.

Whip up this copycat recipe and savor every delectable morsel of bakery magic.

Pumpkin Muffins Starbucks Style

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a standard 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re well combined and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Egg
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, mixing just until the batter is combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until it becomes creamy.

Add:
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling is smooth and has no lumps.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Drop a spoonful of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.

Use a toothpick to swirl the filling slightly into the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pumpkin Muffins Starbucks Style Tips

  • Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense textures.
  • Use a small spoon or piping bag to create a beautiful, even cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin for a professional look.
  • Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of filling and batter.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese from spoiling.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Keep Moist With This Method

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Let frozen muffins thaw naturally for 1-2 hours before serving, preserving their soft texture and flavor.
  • Reheat refrigerated or thawed muffins in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and texture.

Great Sides with Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Complement the warm, spicy pumpkin muffins with a robust medium-roast coffee that enhances the earthy pumpkin and rich cream cheese flavors.
  • Match with Cinnamon Tea: Steep a fragrant cinnamon tea that echoes the pumpkin pie spice, creating a harmonious blend of warm, comforting autumn notes.
  • Create Creamy Hot Chocolate: Prepare a luxurious hot chocolate with a dash of nutmeg to mirror the muffin's sweet, spiced profile and provide a decadent beverage companion.
  • Serve with Caramel Latte: Craft a smooth caramel latte that adds a sweet, buttery dimension to the muffin's creamy texture and seasonal spice profile.

Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Muffins: Swap egg with flax egg, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Muffins: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and add extra spices for enhanced flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese to maintain low-carb macronutrient profile.

FAQs

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

  • How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Chill the cream cheese filling before adding it to the muffin batter, and coat the filling with a light dusting of flour to help it stay suspended in the muffin.

  • What can I do if my cream cheese filling is too runny?

Refrigerate the filling for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the muffins. This will help it maintain its shape and prevent spreading during baking.

  • Is it possible to make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and filling the night before, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake in the morning.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins That Feel Like Fall

  • Quick Fall Comfort: Indulge in these irresistible Starbucks-inspired pumpkin cream cheese muffins that bring bakery magic right to your kitchen.
  • Foolproof Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Capture the essence of autumn with a moist, spiced muffin that delights both kids and adults at breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these muffins in advance and store them for up to 3 days, making meal prep and spontaneous treats incredibly convenient.

Starbucks Muffins: What’s Inside

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the muffin's texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Gives classic autumn flavor with warm, aromatic spices.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, rich color, and signature pumpkin taste.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the muffin.
  • Melted Butter: Provides moisture and deep, rich flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements the pumpkin spice.
Print
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Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins blend autumn’s warmth with creamy indulgence, offering a delightful seasonal treat. Coffee shop magic comes home, inviting you to savor each spiced, velvety bite of homemade bakery perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Spices:

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to precise temperature and lining muffin tin with paper liners or greasing thoroughly.
  2. Create dry ingredient foundation by whisking together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large mixing vessel.
  3. Craft wet ingredient mixture separately, blending pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until harmoniously combined.
  4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain tender muffin texture.
  5. Whip cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese with sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving silky, smooth consistency.
  6. Distribute initial batter layer into muffin cups, creating strategic indent for cream cheese filling.
  7. Carefully dollop cream cheese mixture into center of each batter-filled cup, ensuring even placement.
  8. Cover cream cheese center with remaining muffin batter, sealing filling completely within muffin compartment.
  9. Transfer muffin tin to preheated oven, baking until edges turn golden brown and inserted toothpick emerges clean.
  10. Remove from oven, allowing muffins to cool in tin for several minutes before transferring to wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Add extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more robust seasonal flavor profile.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar quantities to create a lighter, healthier version of the muffin.
  • Prepare cream cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate to ensure easier handling and more stable texture during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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