Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Top 5 Perks

Name: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or homemade blend); 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup chopped pumpkin seeds; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the first whiff of crisp autumn air sends you straight into pumpkin spice mode. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm batch of Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins—right from your own kitchen?

These bakery-style muffins are everything you love about the Starbucks version: tender, perfectly spiced pumpkin cake, a dreamy cream cheese center, and that nutty, sweet crunch on top. Only now? You don’t have to wait in line—or pay coffeehouse prices—to enjoy them.

Why You’ll Love These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This recipe is a fall lifesaver. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, juggling meetings, or just craving a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins are:

Make-ahead friendly
Freezer-safe
Comforting with every bite

And let’s not forget—they make your house smell like a pumpkin-scented hug from Grandma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these muffins sing:

Pumpkin purée: One 15 oz can (not pumpkin pie filling!). If using homemade, go with 1 3/4 cups.
Pumpkin pie spice: You can DIY it! Mix 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp allspice.
Cream cheese: Use full-fat block cream cheese for that rich, velvety center.
Butter: Unsalted and at room temperature.
Pumpkin seeds: Chopped and caramelized with brown sugar for that signature topping. Pecans or walnuts work too!

Find all ingredient quantities and nutrition information in the recipe card.

How To Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

1. Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

Start by toasting your chopped pumpkin seeds in a skillet with a bit of melted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently so they don’t burn—this step only takes a few minutes. Once they begin to brown and smell nutty, sprinkle in some brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Keep stirring until everything is golden and caramelized. Transfer the seeds to a parchment-lined plate and let them cool completely. This becomes the perfect crunchy topping.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the seeds are cooling, grab your softened cream cheese and add granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk or beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy—no lumps allowed. This creamy filling is the magical surprise inside each muffin that makes every bite so satisfying.

3. Mix the Muffin Batter

In one mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients—pumpkin purée, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Over-mixing is the enemy here—it can make your muffins tough instead of tender.

4. Assemble the Muffins

Line a muffin tin with paper liners (trust me, cleanup is so much easier this way). Fill each cup nearly to the top with the pumpkin batter. Then, using a piping bag or a small cookie scoop, insert the cream cheese filling about two-thirds of the way into the batter and gently squeeze or scoop as you pull up. You’ll see the cream cheese peeking out—perfect! Finally, sprinkle the cooled pumpkin seed praline topping over each muffin for that irresistible crunch.

5. Bake and Cool

Place the muffin tin in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (but not the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let the muffins rest in the pan for exactly 10 minutes—no more! Carefully twist and lift each one out and place on a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from becoming soggy on the bottom and helps the cream cheese center set just right.

Mounia’s Muffin Tips

No piping bag? A small cookie scoop works perfectly for the cream cheese.
Don’t skip the topping. It brings crunch, sweetness, and major autumn vibes.
Yes, fill to the top! This creates those bakery-style domes we all love.
Freeze the extras. These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw and microwave for 15 seconds to bring them back to life.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

Last fall, I whipped these up for a bake sale at my daughter’s school. I watched as one mom took a bite, closed her eyes, and said, “These taste better than Starbucks.” My heart? Melted. And that’s when I knew—this one was a keeper.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with creamy centers and rich frosting on top, one muffin unwrapped and bitten into. — Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with a luscious filling and swirled frosting—pure fall indulgence in every bite!

FAQs About Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Stick with full-fat for the best flavor and texture. Low-fat tends to be watery.

Can I skip the seeds on top?

Sure! But they add a lovely crunch. Pecans or walnuts are great alternatives.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before eating.

Bring the Coffeehouse Home

With these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, you don’t need a barista to enjoy coffeehouse comfort. They’re soft, spiced, and filled with creamy goodness—perfect for fall mornings, cozy nights, or anytime your soul needs a little pick-me-up.

So go ahead—bake a batch, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and let the flavors of fall wrap around you like your favorite blanket. 🍂

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you’re already in the mood for fall flavors and comforting bites, here are a few reader favorites that pair beautifully with these muffins:

For a perfect savory side, try this sweet and hearty Pumpkin Cornbread—a fantastic complement to any fall meal.
Craving more cozy morning treats? Don’t miss our warm and wholesome Slow Cooker Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal.
Planning a weekend brunch or a sweet addition to your coffee break? You’ll love these soft, fluffy Crockpot Banana Bread slices.
And for something savory, satisfying, and kid-approved, check out these melty and easy-to-make Cheesy Pizza Pockets.

Happy cooking—and even happier munching!