Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Recreating Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home allows you to enjoy this seasonal favorite year-round. These moist pumpkin muffins are filled with a sweet cream cheese center and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Here's a detailed recipe to guide you:

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

o In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

o Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Muffin Batter:

o Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.

o In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

o In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

o Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Assemble the Muffins:

o Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.

o Pipe a dollop (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. The filling should be visible on the top.

4. Add the Topping:

o In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin seeds, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

o Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins.

5. Bake:

o Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.

o Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Additional Tips:

• Cream Cheese Filling: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Chilling the filling slightly before piping can help it hold its shape better during baking.

• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spices.

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

This recipe offers a delightful balance of spiced pumpkin flavor and creamy sweetness, closely mimicking the beloved Starbucks treat.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious muffins!

Jenna Denise Site
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins