Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightfully moist and flavorful treat that’s filled and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. They’re not overly sweet either. I think they’re a perfect fall or holiday treat, and if you’re not a fan of cream cheese, feel free to omit it.

They will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a moist & flavorful muffin that’s not overly sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you combine pumpkin puree with warm spices and pair it with a rich cream cheese filling, you get the perfect muffin. The addition of a crunchy streusel topping just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for fall to arrive and these dreamy muffins remind me of cozy autumn days. Not a fan of cream cheese? Don’t worry, they’re still delicious without it.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Muffin tin
• Paper muffin liners
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ice cream scoop or spoon
• Small knife or toothpick

Ingredients:

Muffins:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare Streusel Topping:
   • In another small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
4. Make Muffin Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Assemble Muffins:
   • Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each muffin liner about ⅔ full with muffin batter.
   • Add a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin. Use a small knife or toothpick to gently swirl the filling into the batter.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
   • Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for those who love a combination of moist, spiced pumpkin and creamy, tangy filling in a cozy, autumnal treat. Enjoy!