Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins bring the cozy flavors of fall into a delicious, bakery-style treat with a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping (optional):

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin cup about 1/3 full with the pumpkin batter. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Top with more pumpkin batter, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
5. Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture on top of each muffin.
6. Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Starbucks-inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with a warm beverage for a delightful fall treat!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 muffins. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the muffin batter for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk and cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree; just ensure it’s well cooked and blended.
2. What can I serve with these muffins?
   These muffins pair well with coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.
3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
4. How do I know when the muffins are done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
5. Can I omit the cream cheese filling?
   Yes, you can make plain pumpkin muffins if preferred.
6. How can I adjust the sweetness?
   You can reduce the sugar amount to your taste, but it may affect the texture.
7. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
   Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for a few seconds.
8. Can I add spices to the filling?
   Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
9. Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free cream cheese and substitute milk with a plant-based alternative.
10. How can I make these muffins more festive?
    Decorate with icing or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a special touch.

Conclusion

These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall. With their soft, spiced pumpkin exterior and creamy filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today and enjoy a cozy, delightful experience with every bite!

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