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    Home » Recipes » Pumpkin

    Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

    Modified: Oct 2, 2024 · Published: Sep 16, 2019 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 44 Comments

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    These easy Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are packed with flavor and include a sweet cream cheese filling inside. Light, fluffy textured muffins that are even better than the original. This pumpkin muffin recipe is perfect to make any time that pumpkin spice craving hits!

    an assorted tray of pumpkin muffins with a creamy center cream cheese filling

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    If you’re a pumpkin fan like I am, be sure to also check out my Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake!

    Jump to:
    • Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
    • Homemade versus Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins
    • Ingredients Needed for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
    • How to make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • How to store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
    • More Pumpkin Recipes to try
    • Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)

    Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

    These fluffy, moist muffins come together using simple ingredients and are the ultimate muffin! Each Fall, when Starbucks brings their classic pumpkin muffins back to the menu, the season just isn’t long enough, or they run out of stock and I have to order something else. Since making this copycat recipe, I get to enjoy the same classic muffin anytime the craving hits!

    With the perfect amount of pumpkin pie spice throughout and a cream cheese mixture that just can’t be beat, these muffins are perfect to enjoy anytime!

    Homemade versus Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins

    You may be wondering why I am proclaiming these muffins to be even BETTER than the original. I know, it’s a big proclamation to make given that Starbucks is known for their muffins. However, after just one bite of my homemade pumpkin treats, you’ll agree with me!

    • Fresh Tasting– these homemade muffins are packed full of bold pumpkin spice flavors, sweet tangy cream cheese, and never dry or stale.
    • Always Available– if you’ve ever craved these muffins only to pull up to Starbucks and hear they don’t have any more in stock, you know how disappointing that can be. Now, simply keep a can of pumpkin on hand in your pantry and you’ll always be prepared.
    • Moist and Fluffy– each bite is packed with just the right amount of pumpkin and cream cheese filling. The muffins are soft, airy, and light textured which literally melts in your mouth.
    • Cheaper– Starbucks isn’t exactly known to be the most affordable, but these muffins can be made for half the price of ordering out.
    • Healthier– I won’t go proclaiming these as healthy, but I will say they are healthier than the original. They don’t leave the same greasy residue on the wrappers, use homemade ingredients that can be controlled, and have way less sugar than the original.

    Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins in a baking pan from the oven.

    Ingredients Needed for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins

    To make these easy, simple pumpkin muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients. Scroll below to printable recipe card for exact ingredient amounts and directions.

    MUFFIN

    • Flour– all purpose
    • Sugar– adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the muffins
    • Baking Powder/ Baking Soda/ Salt– ensure this is all fresh as it gives the muffins their rise
    • Pumpkin Pie Spice– if you don’t have this on hand, you can combine 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice for a great alternative
    • Pumpkin Puree– not pumpkin pie filling, I use Libby’s canned pumpkin.
    • Butter– melted/cooled, use unsalted since salt is added into the muffin recipe already
    • Vanilla Extract– pure versus imitation
    • Egg– large

    CREAM CHEESE FILLING

    • Cream Cheese– softened, a block is perfect for this recipe, don’t use whipped as it doesn’t have the same consistency
    • Vanilla Extract– make sure its pure versus imitation
    • Flour– all purpose flour
    • Sugar- granulated white sugar
    • Milk– any type works, I tend to use 2% but use what you have on hand

    How to make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

    Follow these simple instructions to make these delicious muffins entirely from scratch.

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tray with liners or cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
    3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg.
    4. Combine the wet mixture with the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
    5. Fill muffin liners with batter about ¾ full.
    6. To make cream cheese filling: Place all ingredients into a bowl and combine.
    7. Using a piping bag or Ziploc bag with corner tip cut off, add a dollop of cream cheese mixture to the muffin cups. *It will sink slightly into batter.
    8. Place muffin tray into preheated oven to bake for about 18-20 minutes.
    9. Remove from oven and allow to cool 2-3 minutes before removing from tray.

    perfectly spiced pumpkin muffins with a creamy filling

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure you grease or paper line the muffin tray prior to adding muffin batter. You don’t want these sticking to the muffin pan.
    • Don’t over-mix the batter as it can change the texture of these muffins to be dense and not nearly as moist and fluffy.
    • If you don’t want to use a piping bag or bag cut with corner off, a small cookie dough scoop works great for the cream cheese mixture too.
    • Don’t overfill the muffins as they will rise and combine into one another and get messy.
    • Add a few pumpkin seeds on top, coarse sugar, light brown sugar sprinkled on top, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for a crunchy addition.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Can you freeze these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

    Absolutely! Place these pumpkin muffins into a freezer safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and enjoy! You can also reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave, just be sure not to keep them in too long so the cream cheese mixture melts.

    Should I use pumpkin seeds on top?

    Up to you! Starbucks includes a pumpkin seed or two on each of their muffins, so its the classic way to enjoy these. However, my family doesn’t really enjoy that addition and I almost never have any on hand, so most of the time, I omit.

    Can I use low fat cream cheese?

    Try not to. Brick style, block cream cheese is best and full fat due to the fact it won’t runny.

    How do I make these into mini muffins?

    Technically, you can! Simply use a greased mini muffin pan and follow directions as written. The only downside to this is the fact its a lot of work. You will essentially be doubling the amount of muffins you make and the cream cheese filling will need to be place into the small muffin cavity. If you’re up for the challenge, you definitely can!

    Can I make these into pumpkin muffins without the cream cheese filling?

    Yes! Simply omit the steps about the muffins and bake the muffins once the pumpkin batter has been created. You’ll have a perfectly moist, flavor packed pumpkin muffin!

    How do I incorporate the cream cheese mixture if I don’t want a large amount in the center?

    Feel free to use a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese mixture throughout the muffin.

    How do I stop muffins from sticking to paper cups?

    1. Use a silicone muffin pan. No paper is needed, and the muffins slip out of the pan perfectly.
    2. If you use a metal pan, use paper liners that are made of parchment paper. More expensive than regular paper, but muffins don’t stick to parchment.
    3. Use regular paper muffin liners in a metal pan. Just before putting the batter in, spray the paper liners briefly with a vegetable oil spray. Spray from directly over top, or spray the papers in the pan from one side, then flip the pan around, and hit the other side with oil spray, so that a small amount of spray is on most of the paper. It doesn’t take much.

    a pumpkin muffin sliced in half to show the cream cheese filling

    How to store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

    Due to the cream cheese filling, these muffins should be stored in the refrigerator.

    • Refrigerator– up to 4 days in an airtight storage container.
    • Freezer– place muffins in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight before serving. The texture may change slightly, but they will still be delicious.
    • Serving– these muffins are best served at room temperature, so remove from refrigerator at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

    Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins straight from the oven.

    More Pumpkin Recipes to try

    Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes– quick to whip up and you can serve them with any topping you like

    Great Pumpkin Cookies– thick and cakey with extra pumpkin spice flavor.

    Pumpkin Banana Bread– super moist, filled with pumpkin spice and bananas and is a delicious, easy fall recipe.

    Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Muffins– made from scratch, moist pumpkin spice muffins, are topped with a golden cinnamon streusel.

    Pumpkin Spice Mudslides– this drink combines all the flavors of the classic mudslide cocktail with a pumpkin spice twist.

    3 Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread– only 3 ingredients to make this moist and flavorful quick bread perfect anytime of the day!

     

    Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Muffins offer a delectable alternative to the famous coffee chain’s beloved treat. With their moist and tender texture and rich cream cheese filling, these homemade muffins are sure to satisfy any craving. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy the taste of Starbucks right in your own kitchen. So why wait in line when you can indulge in these delicious treats anytime? Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your baking skills while savoring every bite of these delightful copycat muffins! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating below and comment!

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    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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    These Copycat Starbuck's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are great for a Fall treat.

    Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins are moist and flavorful pumpkin muffins with a rich cream cheese filling, reminiscent of the popular coffee shop treat.
    4.09 from 352 votes
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 19 minutes mins
    Total Time 34 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15
    Calories 140 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • muffin tray
    • Muffin Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • MUFFIN
    • 1 ½ cups flour
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
    • ¼ cup butter, melted/cooled
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 egg
    • CREAM CHEESE FILLING
    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon flour
    • 2 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon milk

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tray with liners or cooking spray.
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg.
    • Combine the wet mixture with the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
    • Fill muffin liners with batter about ¾ full.
    • To make cream cheese filling: Place all ingredients into a bowl and combine.
    • Using a piping bag or Ziploc bag with corner tip cut off, add a dollop of cream cheese mixture to the muffin cups. *It will sink slightly into batter.
    • Place muffin tray into preheated oven to bake for about 18-20 minutes.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool 2-3 minutes before removing from tray.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    *If you would like the addition of oats on top, feel free to sprinkle some on top prior to placing tray into oven. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 3927IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

    More Pumpkin

    • a crumb topped muffin on its side in a muffin tin.
      Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
    • whipped cream on top of Fall spiced pancakes.
      Pumpkin Pie Spice Pancakes
    • a bite taken out of a pumpkin coated donut.
      Pumpkin Spice Donuts
    • Fall flavored cookies on a white plate.
      Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies
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    Comments

    1. Elizabeth says

      November 18, 2024 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      These were great for my Friendsgiving! Very easy to make and everyone really liked them!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 18, 2024 at 11:18 am

        Yay!! Love hearing this! Glad you all enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Maddie says

      October 01, 2024 at 6:21 pm

      What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin? I can only find canned pumpkin

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 02, 2024 at 10:41 am

        Those are the same, the one you want to avoid is pumpkin pie filling (which is much harder to find). Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing. My go to is Libby’s brand! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    3. Cassie says

      October 22, 2023 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      These are so good!!! Next time I’ll double the cream cheese and make more with the muffin : cream cheese ratio way higher!!!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 22, 2023 at 1:21 pm

        Yay!! SO glad you enjoyed!! Can’t go wrong with more cream cheese, YUM!!

        Reply
    4. suzanne says

      August 27, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      jas anyone used splenda for the sugar and brown sugar?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        August 28, 2021 at 10:35 am

        I haven’t personally, but that should be great in this as well!

        Reply
    5. Adrianne says

      November 22, 2020 at 10:45 pm

      I am trying these for the first time and getting ready to spoon the batter into the muffin tins now. It seems extremely thick. I hope that is normal 😬

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 23, 2020 at 11:00 am

        Yep, batter should be somewhat thick! Hope they turned out delicious for you!

        Reply
    6. Stephanie says

      November 07, 2020 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      These were absolutely amazing. They are so moist and flavorful!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 07, 2020 at 3:37 pm

        YAY! Glad you enjoyed!!

        Reply
    7. Teri says

      October 17, 2020 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! Made these and used fresh pumpkin and they were fabulous!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 17, 2020 at 9:45 am

        Yay! Glad you enjoyed!!

        Reply
    8. Magda says

      October 02, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy!! These muffins are super close to the Starbucks ones and super tasty.
      I didn’t take into consideration the altitude (5000 ft) and only baked them for 18 minutes, next time I’ll leave them in for at least 20 minutes. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 03, 2020 at 10:30 am

        Yay! Glad you enjoyed these!!!

        Reply
      • Vyvy says

        March 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm

        5 stars
        Delicious recipe! I also added 1 tsp pumpkin spice and 2Tbsp Greek yogurt and made the batch into mini muffins for my son’s class. it was a hit!

        Reply
        • Kristin says

          March 25, 2025 at 9:55 am

          Yay!! Love hearing this! Glad you enjoyed and great idea on mini muffins!

    9. Boobookittysmom says

      October 01, 2020 at 11:28 am

      I adore Starbuck’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and their topping really adds to their taste! I can’t imagine that yours don’t have a topping because they would seem incomplete! I would mix some chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds and a little brown sugar and sprinkle that around the muffin tops before I baked them!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 01, 2020 at 2:16 pm

        Oh I definitely agree! Truth be told, I did mine as a shortcut! I have added pumpkin seeds and chopped nuts before and its quite tasty! Have fun with these and I definitely encourage you to make them your own! Keep me posted what you think!!

        Reply
    10. Martha J Kreider says

      September 20, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      3 stars
      Sorry, these are ok but nothing special. Mine look exactly like the picture too.
      Would probably suggest adding a little more spice, possibly more cinnamin and some ginger and nutneg.
      May try again.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 20, 2020 at 2:18 pm

        Sorry they weren’t a hit with you! You can definitely increase the spices if you desire!

        Reply
    11. debra Bailey says

      September 17, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      I’m type 2 diabetic is there a way to convert this so I can eat it?
      Instead of fat replace with applesauce, can I use self rising flour not baking soda or powder?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 18, 2020 at 11:10 am

        Good question! I haven’t tried conversions with this, but you can definitely use self rising flour and omit the baking soda/powder, and cut salt in half. As for applesauce, that may work, but I can’t say for sure! Sorry I can’t help more, if you end up trying it, please do keep me posted!

        Reply
    12. Kelly says

      September 17, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      Anyone tried these as mini muffins? If so how did you adjust timing? Did it work out?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 18, 2020 at 7:04 am

        I haven’t, but should work great! As for timing, decrease by about 5-10 minutes and watch them from there! Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Kara says

      September 16, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      Is it self rising flour or all purpose?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 17, 2020 at 10:38 am

        All purpose flour! Enjoy!

        Reply
    14. Mandi says

      September 10, 2020 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      Made these today and they were fantastic! They turned out perfectly moist, and the filling is just like Starbuck’s pumpkin muffins. The only thing I added was a few nuts on top. My family devoured them. A new go to pumpkin recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 10, 2020 at 9:42 am

        YAY! Love hearing that! Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    15. Melany says

      August 31, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        August 31, 2020 at 2:21 pm

        Sure, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work great!

        Reply
    16. Crystal says

      March 10, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Do these need to be refrigerated?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 11, 2020 at 8:38 am

        Since they have the cream cheese filling, its best to store in the refrigerator. I always take mine out earlier and let it get to room temperature prior to eating! Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. Virginia says

      January 05, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      Made this as a tea loaf, and put the cream cheese in a line down the center, baked for around 55 minutes. Delicious definitely a new family favorite! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 07, 2020 at 11:56 am

        Oh yum!! Love that idea! So glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    18. Kim says

      November 28, 2019 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!! Perfect for Thanksgiving morning with the Macy’s Day Parade!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 28, 2019 at 10:34 am

        Awww, glad you enjoyed them! They definitely are perfect for watching the parade!

        Reply
    19. Stefanie says

      September 28, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      Your recipe calls for “pumpkin spice”. Do you mean pumpkin pie spice???

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 29, 2019 at 10:04 am

        Whoops, yep, that’s what I mean. I need to correct that, thanks for catching that!!

        Reply
    20. Paula says

      September 23, 2019 at 9:15 am

      sound great

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 23, 2019 at 11:09 am

        Thanks! They really are quite tasty!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - #Cheese #Copycat #Cream says:
      January 25, 2020 at 8:29 am

      […] Base Recipe adapted from this SITE […]

      Reply
    2. Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice for the Fall • simply katricia says:
      October 1, 2019 at 8:02 am

      […] me right? That was it! Hence my tweet! I went on Amazon Fresh and ordered all the ingredients from TheCookinChicks.com and proceeded to have a mini and me time of baking our pumpkin spice cream cheese muffins. […]

      Reply
    4.09 from 352 votes (341 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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