Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you adore cozy, comforting flavors with a seasonal twist, the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is an absolute must-try. These muffins marry moist pumpkin-spiced batter with a luscious cream cheese center, delivering a delightful surprise in every bite. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a special snack alongside your favorite cup of coffee, this recipe captures the essence of autumn in a way that’s both simple and impressively delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, with each component playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the fragrant spices to the creamy filling, these pantry staples come together beautifully to create a memorable bake.

• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure for tender, fluffy muffins.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the muffin’s moisture.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Brings depth and a subtle molasses flavor that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully.
• Pumpkin spice (2 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses warm, aromatic flavors that evoke all things fall.
• Fine grain salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Pumpkin puree (15 oz): The star ingredient that delivers moistness and vibrant orange color; be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the muffins tender and moist with a subtle richness.
• Eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the muffin’s crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, fragrant note that rounds out the flavors.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): For the dreamy, tangy filling that makes these muffins so special.
• Additional granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
• Flour (1 tablespoon): Stabilizes the cream cheese filling for perfect piping.
• Milk (1 teaspoon): Lightens the texture of the cream cheese center.

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease it well to ensure your muffins don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Combine Sugars and Oil

In a large mixing bowl, blend 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil together until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This combination sets the stage for moist, flavorful muffins.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree into your sugar-oil mixture. Whisk gently until everything is fully combined, creating a rich, fragrant base for the muffins.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and fine grain salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly through your batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender and moist — those little bits of flour should be just barely incorporated.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan

Scoop the pumpkin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives enough room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Mix the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This filling will make your muffins stand out with its luscious center.

Step 8: Pipe the Cream Cheese Filling

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe a dollop into the center of each muffin cup, right atop the pumpkin batter for that iconic cream cheese surprise.

Step 9: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin pan in your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. This timing ensures your muffins are fully cooked yet incredibly moist.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cream cheese filling to set perfectly while sealing in moisture.

How to Serve Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few chopped pecans on top right after baking for an added crunch and visual appeal. A light glaze drizzle made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk can also elevate these muffins instantly.

Side Dishes

Pair your pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a cup of pumpkin spice latte or hot chai tea to amplify those fall flavors. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the rich, spiced muffins perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with mini jars of honey or maple syrup for guests to drizzle themselves. For a breakfast gathering, stack the muffins with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top for an indulgent spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their moistness and prevents the cream cheese filling from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat muffins gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This restores their softness and warms the cream cheese center without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree to get that perfect pumpkin flavor.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice? Can I make my own?

Absolutely! You can mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a simple homemade pumpkin spice blend that works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, melted unsalted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, though the texture might be slightly denser but still delicious.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the muffin’s edge (avoiding the cream cheese center) should come out clean. The edges will be lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Can I double the recipe to make more muffins at once?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches if your oven capacity is limited. The baking time will remain roughly the same, but it’s best to watch them closely.

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is a charming way to bring a little autumn magic right into your kitchen. With its perfect mix of spiced pumpkin batter and creamy filling, it’s no wonder these muffins are a seasonal favorite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this recipe — your taste buds will thank you!

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