Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

There’s something magical about that first bite of Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins when the leaves begin to fall. I still remember the day my daughter brought one home after school — her cheeks rosy from the crisp breeze, her eyes wide as she handed me a half-eaten muffin and said, “You have to make this, Mom.” So I did. And I kept making them, tweaking and testing, until I found the perfect balance of pumpkin spice, tangy cream cheese, and soft, cloudlike texture.

These Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins are more than a bakery copycat — they’re comfort in cupcake form. The kind of treat you want to pull apart with your fingers on a chilly morning, warm with a cup of coffee, and share with someone you love. Let’s recreate that moment of joy, one spiced bite at a time.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are an autumn dream — sweet, spiced, and stuffed with luscious cream cheese. You’ll love how each bite melts in your mouth, just like the real Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins, but even fluffier and fresher.

This recipe is incredibly easy, even if you’re new to baking. You don’t need fancy tools or techniques. Just a couple bowls, a whisk, and a warm oven will do the trick.

They’re ready in just 35 minutes — perfect for busy mornings, last-minute brunches, or a cozy treat with friends. The batter comes together quickly, and the cream cheese filling adds that signature swirl without extra fuss.

These muffins are also freezer-friendly! So go ahead, make a double batch and stash a few for later. Nothing beats grabbing a homemade Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin when the craving strikes.

Whether you’re planning a fall brunch, packing school snacks, or just indulging your pumpkin spice obsession, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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Ingredient Overview

These Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins are soft, rich, and delightfully spiced — every ingredient plays a part in building that bakery-worthy flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the muffins their soft, cakey structure.

• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor. Use pure canned pumpkin, not pie filling.

• Granulated sugar: Keeps things sweet and balances the tang of the cream cheese.

• Pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that iconic fall flavor.

• Baking powder & baking soda: Lift the muffins to fluffy heights.

• Salt: A pinch brings all the sweetness and spice into balance.

• Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.

• Melted butter: Adds moisture and depth of flavor — be sure to let it cool slightly before mixing.

• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of both the batter and the cream cheese swirl.

• Cream cheese: The creamy heart of every muffin. Make sure it’s softened before mixing.

• Milk & flour (in the filling): Help stabilize the swirl so it bakes beautifully.

Tip for styling: Garnish the tops with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped pepitas before baking for a bakery finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This recipe makes 12 Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins, so prep accordingly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tsp each of baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice, plus ¼ tsp salt. Stir it all together and set it aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk 1½ cups pumpkin puree, 1 egg, ¼ cup melted (and cooled) butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. This pumpkin-rich base is what makes the Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins so moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix — it keeps the muffins airy. Tip: If you see a few streaks of flour, that’s okay!

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins

Scoop the batter into each muffin liner, filling about ¾ full. This gives the muffins space to rise into perfect domes, just like your favorite Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a clean bowl, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp flour, 1 tsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla until creamy and smooth. Transfer it to a piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped).

Step 7: Add the Filling

Gently insert the tip of the piping bag into the center of each muffin. Squeeze about 1 tbsp of filling inside, then slowly lift as you squeeze to get that signature swirl peeking on top. It’s what sets Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins apart.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the filling) comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Allow the muffins to cool a bit more before serving. The cream cheese center firms up just enough as they cool, creating that irresistible bite.

Now that your Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins are coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

To make your starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins truly bakery-worthy, always use room-temperature cream cheese for that smooth swirl. Cold cream cheese clumps and never blends quite right.

Don’t skip the pumpkin pie spice — it’s the soul of this muffin. But if you’re in a pinch, you can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of cloves.

Avoid overmixing the batter. It’s tempting, but stirring too much will make the muffins dense instead of soft. Just fold until the dry streaks disappear.

For extra fall magic, sprinkle a few pepitas or brown sugar on top before baking. It adds texture and makes these starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins feel like they came straight from the case. If you’re making these for guests, pair them with something equally seasonal like our cozy Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew for a perfect Starbucks-at-home combo.

Freeze leftover muffins in an airtight container — they reheat beautifully! Just pop one in the microwave for 15 seconds and it’s like fresh from the oven again.

Variations

Want to give your starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins a unique twist? Try folding a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter — they melt into the pumpkin for a decadent bite.

Make them gluten-free by swapping in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tested it with great success — same rise, same flavor.

Feeling bold? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cream cheese swirl for a subtle depth of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

For little ones or lighter treats, divide the batter into mini muffin tins and shorten bake time to about 10–12 minutes. These bite-sized versions are perfect for lunchboxes or potlucks.

You can even skip the cream cheese if you’re craving a simpler muffin — they’ll be closer to our beloved Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread with just as much flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s no wrong time to enjoy starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins — but they shine brightest at a cozy fall brunch, a quiet breakfast with your coffee, or a weekend bake-ahead treat. I love serving them slightly warm with a dollop of whipped butter or even a drizzle of maple syrup on the side. For a full seasonal spread, pair them with a frothy latte or a mug of homemade Pumpkin Spice French Toast for a brunch your guests will remember. These muffins also travel well, making them a thoughtful addition to a school bake sale or a work meeting snack table.

Conclusion

These starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins are more than just a copycat — they’re a taste of autumn wrapped in warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply to savor a quiet moment for yourself, this recipe invites creativity, comfort, and connection. From the rich swirl of cream cheese to the tender pumpkin crumb, each bite carries a little joy. If you’re inspired by seasonal sweets like this, you’ll also adore our easy Pumpkin Cookies — another fall favorite around here!

Try the recipe this weekend, and if you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below or share your beautiful muffins with us over on Pinterest — we always enjoy seeing your creations!

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.