Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Introduction
These Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful fall treat that combines moist pumpkin spice muffin with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they bring the comforting flavors of the season right to your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar, then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Step 5: Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Step 6: Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 7: Add a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.
- Step 8: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (outside the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pumpkin puree or canned 100% pumpkin for best flavor and moisture.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- If you prefer sweeter muffins, increase the sugar in the cream cheese filling slightly.
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat by warming them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy a soft, freshly baked texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these pumpkin muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm them gently in the microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling?
You can substitute mascarpone cheese or a mixture of ricotta cheese and a little sugar for a similar creamy texture and sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Print
Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of fall with these Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, featuring moist pumpkin spice batter filled with a luscious cream cheese center. This easy-to-make recipe yields tender muffins bursting with autumn spices and a rich, creamy surprise inside—perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Beat wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and milk, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine batter: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins tough.
- Fill muffin cups: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the pumpkin batter.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add cream cheese center: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter in each muffin cup, gently pushing it slightly into the batter for a center filling.
- Bake muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the muffin; it should come out clean from around the cream cheese filling.
- Cool muffins: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Storage and serving: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat by microwaving for 15 to 20 seconds for a warm, fresh-baked experience.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender muffins.
- Use canned pumpkin puree or fresh homemade pumpkin puree for best flavor.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variation if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks copycat, pumpkin muffins, cream cheese filling, fall baking, pumpkin spice, easy breakfast muffins

