Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a cozy fall favorite—soft, spiced pumpkin muffins filled with a sweet cream cheese center and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. This homemade version captures all the bakery-style flavor and texture, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are moist, rich, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The tangy cream cheese center adds a luscious contrast, and the crunchy pepitas on top give just the right finish. They’re easy to make, great for freezing, and taste just like the ones from Starbucks—if not better.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the muffins:

• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

For the cream cheese filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the topping:

• Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with pumpkin batter.
7. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin.
8. Sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds on top of each muffin.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist
• Use maple syrup in the cream cheese filling for a fall-inspired flavor
• Swap pepitas for chopped walnuts or pecans
• Make them gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Add a cinnamon sugar sprinkle on top for extra sweetness and crunch

storage/reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. Use pure pumpkin purée for best results.

How do I get the cream cheese to stay in the center?

Place it in the middle of the batter before baking—it will sink slightly and bake right into the muffin.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They store well and taste great the next day.

Do these muffins need to be refrigerated?

If keeping for more than 2 days, refrigerate due to the cream cheese filling.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Absolutely, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I skip the cream cheese filling?

Yes, but the cream cheese adds richness and contrast to the sweet, spiced muffin.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it (unwrapped) for 10–15 seconds.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely—just use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

Are these muffins freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly and thaw when needed.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the muffin portion (not the cream cheese)—it should come out clean.

Conclusion

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious way to bring your favorite coffeehouse treat home. With their moist pumpkin base, sweet and tangy cream cheese center, and crunchy topping, they’re perfect for fall—or any time you’re craving something cozy and comforting. Bake a batch and enjoy the seasonal flavors without leaving your kitchen.

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