Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This easy Starbucks Pumpkin Muffin Recipe is a perfect copycat of their famous Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Fluffy, moist, and filled with a creamy center, these homemade muffins are even better than the original! If you love pumpkin cream cheese, also check out my Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread.

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! Also try my Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Muffins if you’re a streusel fan!

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

You may be wondering why I am proclaiming these muffins to be even BETTER than the original. After just one bite, you’ll agree with me!

• Fresh Tasting– packed with bold pumpkin spice flavors, a creamy cheesecake-style center, and that light, fluffy texture you love in a classic pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe.
• Always Available– no more seasonal limits or sold-out signs at your local coffee store! With this copycat Starbucks pumpkin muffin recipe, you can enjoy pumpkin cream cheese muffins anytime.
• Moist and Fluffy– the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin with cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.
• Budget Friendly– making this pumpkin spice muffin at home costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the coffee shop.
• Better for you– homemade ingredients mean less sugar, no greasy wrappers, and a treat you can feel good about baking.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.

Pumpkin Muffins

• Flour– all-purpose flour gives the muffins structure.
• Sugar– adds sweetness and balances the spice.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda & Salt– fresh leaveners make muffins light and fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice– classic warm spices flavor! If you don't have any, mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Pumpkin Puree– use 100% pumpkin (like Libby's canned pumpkin puree), not pumpkin pie filling.
• Butter– melted, unsalted for best flavor.
• Vanilla Extract & Egg– for richness and binding.

Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream Cheese– use a block (not whipped) for the right texture.
• Vanilla Extract & Milk– adds creaminess and flavor.
• Sugar & Flour– sweetens and thickens the filling.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 2. In another bowl, stir pumpkin puree, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Gently fold the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients mixture using a wooden spoon until just combined.

Step 3. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, flour, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 4. Spoon batter ¾ full, then pipe or spoon a dollop of sweet cream cheese mixture into the center of the pumpkin batter. *It will sink slightly into center of the batter.

Step 5. Bake 18-20 minutes, until muffins are set and slightly golden.

Step 6. Remove from oven and allow to cool 2-3 minutes before removing and placing on cooling rack or serving!

Baking Tips

• Grease or line your pan with muffin liners - prevents sticking, so your muffins come out perfectly.
• Don't overmix - over-mixing can make your muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Cream cheese filling - use a piping bag, Ziploc bag, or small scoop to add it to the center.
• Avoid overfilling - muffins rise better and stay neat.
• Optional toppings - pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, coarse sugar, chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts add a little crunch to the top of the muffin.

Storage Tips

Because of the cream cheese filling, proper storage is key:

• Refrigerator– Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer– Place muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
• Serving– Bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

Want a less seasonal cream cheese muffin? Try my Banana Cream Cheese Muffins and Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins for year-round goodness!

Starbucks Pumpkin Muffin Recipe FAQ’s

More Copycat Starbucks Recipes You’ll Love

These Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins Copycat are soft, moist, and filled with creamy goodness-just like the coffee shop version! This easy pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe lets you enjoy homemade fall flavors anytime, skip the line, and savor every bite!

Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment.