Name: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour.; ¾ cup granulated sugar.; 1 tsp baking powder.; 1 tsp baking soda.; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.; ¼ tsp salt.; 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree.; 1 egg.; ¼ cup melted butter.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 4 oz cream cheese (softened).; 2 tbsp granulated sugar.; 1 tsp all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp milk.; ½ tsp vanilla extract.

These Starbucks-Inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins bring the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. With a soft and fluffy pumpkin muffin base and a sweet cream cheese filling, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack on a chilly autumn day. The combination of warm spices like pumpkin pie spice and the smooth cream cheese center makes them irresistible. Simple to make with pantry staples, these muffins are sure to become a fall favorite! Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate seasonal treat.

These Starbucks-Inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect fall treat, combining soft and fluffy pumpkin spice muffins with a sweet cream cheese filling. Ideal for breakfast or a mid-day snack, these muffins bring the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice and vanilla to every bite. Whether you're a fan of Starbucks' famous version or just looking for a new fall recipe, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home!

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups, provides structure to the muffin batter
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup, adds sweetness to the muffins
Baking powder: 1 tsp, helps the muffins rise
Baking soda: 1 tsp, adds lift to the muffins
Pumpkin pie spice: 1 tsp, provides warm, seasonal flavors
Salt: ¼ tsp, enhances the flavor
Pumpkin puree: 1½ cups, the star ingredient for moisture and flavor
Egg: 1 large, helps bind the ingredients together
Melted butter: ¼ cup, adds richness to the muffins
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, enhances the flavor of both the muffin and cream cheese filling
Cream cheese: 4 oz softened, for the sweet filling
Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp (for filling), sweetens the cream cheese center
All-purpose flour: 1 tsp (for filling), thickens the cream cheese mixture
Milk: 1 tsp, makes the filling smooth and creamy

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
Step 2:: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Step 3:: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 4:: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Set aside.
Step 5:: In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off.
Step 6:: Scoop the pumpkin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about ¾ full. Pipe about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin by inserting the tip into the batter.
Step 7:: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the filling) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.

Serving and Storage Tips

These muffins are best served warm, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
If you're making them ahead of time, freeze the muffins for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Helpful Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.
You can substitute the cream cheese filling with a flavored cream cheese, such as maple or cinnamon, for a fun twist.