If you look forward to fall just for Starbucks’ famous pumpkin cream cheese muffins, you’re not alone. That rich pumpkin spice flavor, the moist muffin texture, and that irresistible cream cheese center—it’s no wonder these muffins sell out fast once pumpkin season hits.
But here’s the good news: you can make a perfect copycat version right at home, and they’re even better fresh out of the oven. This Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins recipe gives you that bakery-style texture, cozy fall flavor, and that signature sweet cream cheese filling—all without the price tag or the coffee shop line.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, baking for a fall brunch, or just craving something pumpkin-spiced and indulgent, this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Authentic copycat taste: Just like Starbucks—moist, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin flavor.
- Simple ingredients: All pantry staples, nothing fancy.
- Perfect cream cheese center: Soft, sweet, and just tangy enough to balance the muffin.
- Make-ahead friendly: They store and freeze beautifully.
- Fall flavor overload: With cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice in every bite.
Ingredients of Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish (optional)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe makes 12 muffins and comes together in under an hour. Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Set aside.
3️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4️⃣ Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix.
5️⃣ Fill the Muffin Cups
Scoop the muffin batter evenly into the prepared tin, filling each about ¾ full.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each muffin. Pipe a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each one.
Top with a few pepitas if desired.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 310 |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Note: Values will vary slightly depending on ingredients and portion size.
Final Thoughts on Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Recreating your favorite Starbucks treat at home doesn’t have to be complicated. These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are soft, spiced, and filled with the perfect amount of creamy goodness in every bite.
They’re easy enough to whip up on a weeknight and impressive enough for weekend brunch. Pair one with a homemade pumpkin spice latte, and you’ve got your own coffee shop experience—no drive-thru required.
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FAQs
Q1: How many calories are in a pumpkin cream cheese muffin from Starbucks?
A Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins contains 350 calories.
Q2: What is in the middle of a Starbucks pumpkin muffin?
The center of the muffin is filled with a cream cheese mixture, adding a rich and tangy flavor to the treat.
Q3: Does a Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin have to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cream cheese filling, it’s advisable to refrigerate these muffins to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Q4: How much is a Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin?
As of August 2024, the price of a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin at Starbucks is $3.25.
Q5: How much sugar is in a Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins?
Each muffin contains approximately 34 grams of sugar.
Q5: How many kcal are in a pumpkin muffin?
A standard pumpkin muffin typically contains around 350 calories, though this can vary based on ingredients and size.
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe (Copycat)
Ingredients
Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
Optional Topping:
- 2 tbsp pepitas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with liners.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups ¾ full.
- Add a teaspoon of cream cheese into the center of each muffin.
- Sprinkle with pepitas if using.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until set. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use block-style cream cheese (not whipped) for the best texture in the center. It holds its shape and doesn’t melt into the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the muffins tender and prevents tunneling.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized muffins and a neater presentation.
- Add-ins welcome: You can mix chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the batter if you’d like more texture or sweetness.
- Store muffins in the fridge due to the cream cheese center. Let them come to room temp or warm slightly before serving.
- Freezing? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for a warm treat.
