Name: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.75 cups All purpose flour, sifted for tender texture; 1 cup Pumpkin puree (canned pure pumpkin); 1 cup Light brown sugar, packed; 0.5 cup Vegetable oil, for moist texture; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 1.5 teaspoons Pumpkin pie spice (or homemade blend); 1 teaspoon Baking soda, fresh for proper rise; 0.5 teaspoon Salt, for flavor enhancement; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract, pure extract preferred; 8 oz Cream cheese, softened completely; ⅓ cup Granulated sugar, for filling sweetness; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 42 reviews

If you have a soft spot for all things pumpkin and adore the luscious surprise of cream cheese pockets in your pastries, then the star of today’s kitchen adventure is just for you. This Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe brings the quintessential cozy flavors of fall right to your countertop. Imagine moist, spice-kissed pumpkin muffins with that irresistibly tangy cream cheese swirl hiding inside each bite, satisfying breakfast needs or elevating your afternoon snack game. It’s such a simple pleasure to make, yet the flavors will have your friends begging for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking scene with multiple ingredients and finished muffins arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree, next to a smaller white dish holding a scoop of white solid coconut oil. Below that, a larger white bowl is filled with white flour. Near the center, there is a small white dish with pale yellow butter cubes and another small white bowl with a white powdery ingredient, likely sugar or ground nuts. Two eggs, one brown and one white, rest beside the small dishes. Scattered around are star anise and small brown cinnamon sticks. On the right side, a black metal muffin tray holds six golden-brown muffins, each in white paper liners, showing a lightly textured, firm top. Small clear glass bowls hold different spices with shades of brown ranging from light to dark, completing the set of ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but mighty in their contributions. Each one works harmoniously to create the perfect texture, depth of pumpkin flavor, and that signature cream cheese swirl that makes these muffins so unforgettable.

1.75 cups All purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a tender, soft crumb in every muffin.
1 cup Pumpkin puree: Use canned pure pumpkin for authentic fall flavor and moisture.
1 cup Brown sugar: Lightly packed to add rich sweetness with a hint of molasses.
0.5 cup Vegetable oil: Keeps muffins moist without weighing them down.
2 large Eggs: At room temperature to help bind ingredients and create lift.
1.5 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice: The essential warm spice blend that defines the season.
1 teaspoon Baking soda: Fresh for a proper rise and fluffy texture.
0.5 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Pure extract best to round out the taste.
8 oz Cream cheese: Softened completely for a smooth, creamy filling swirl.
⅓ cup Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Added to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor complexity.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners which make for easy removal and keep your muffins looking pretty when served.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This forms the flavorful base of your muffin batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients infuse the muffins with that classic pumpkin spice character and help them rise perfectly.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful only to combine until just mixed — overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want light, fluffy bites every time.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and velvety. This creamy swirl is the delightful signature twist in this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter. Then add a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture to the center. Top that with the remaining pumpkin batter, filling each cup almost to the top. For the final touch, use a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese and pumpkin layers together, creating a gorgeous marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your muffins for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are golden brown and set. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick only into the pumpkin portion; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, inside it is a mixture with three visible layers: a bright yellow liquid at the bottom, a dollop of smooth orange puree on top near the center, and a mound of light brown granulated sugar on one side. A hand mixer with shiny metal beaters is partially lowered into the bowl, ready to blend the ingredients. The next image shows the same bowl with the ingredients blended into a thick, smooth orange batter, with the hand mixer beaters spinning in the center creating swirls in the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting look and extra cozy touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of maple syrup can be a lovely companion if you are feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite pumpkin spice latte. If serving brunch, complement them with fresh fruit, a soft cream cheese spread, or even a side of crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these treats at a fall party or cozy get-together? Arrange them on a pretty platter with autumn leaves or a pumpkin centerpiece for seasonal charm. You can also wrap individual muffins in parchment paper tied with twine to give as heartfelt homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep these festive muffins fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their moist texture and flavor without drying out the cream cheese swirl.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe later, simply freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen muffins, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. You’ll get that freshly baked warmth and gooey cream cheese center back in no time, perfect for a cozy morning treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this recipe?

Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used but make sure to cook and puree it thoroughly before measuring 1 cup. The texture and flavor might be a bit different but still delicious.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for a slightly richer taste. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the muffins’ moistness.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture may vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.

Can I double this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?

Definitely. Just double all ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or batches. Keep an eye on baking times as ovens vary slightly when filled to capacity.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh and delicious for up to two days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about capturing the essence of your favorite coffeehouse treat at home, and this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe does just that. The moist pumpkin cake combined with that creamy, tangy swirl instantly brightens any morning or snack time with fall flair. I hope you find yourself reaching for these muffins as often as I do—they’re a warm hug in muffin form that everyone deserves to enjoy.