Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins: 7 Cozy Indulgences

Name: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins: 7 Cozy Indulgences
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Posted on December 3, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh, the cozy embrace of fall! There’s just something magical about the season that makes me want to fill my kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of spices and baked goods. And let me tell you, my favorite way to celebrate this time of year is with my Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins. They’re like a hug in muffin form! I remember the first time I made them; the cream cheese filling melted perfectly into the pumpkin-spiced batter, creating a delightful surprise in every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up when the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp. They’re not just muffins; they’re little pockets of comfort, perfect for sipping with a hot cup of coffee or sharing with friends during a cozy gathering. So, let’s get baking and bring that fall warmth into our homes!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling!)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (this is what gives your muffins that dreamy, creamy center!)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (for that lovely depth of flavor)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a twist!)
2 large eggs (room temperature works best for mixing)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because everything’s better with a hint of vanilla!)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (feel free to adjust this to your taste—I like it spicy!)
1/2 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)

How to Prepare Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your muffins rise beautifully and bake evenly. Trust me, no one likes a dense muffin!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, grab your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Whisk those together until they’re well combined. This step is key to ensuring your muffins have a nice, even flavor throughout. You want that pumpkin spice goodness to shine!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, it’s time to mix together the stars of the show: your pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat them until everything is smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to bring in all that moistness and flavor—yum!

Blend Ingredients

Carefully pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we definitely want them soft and fluffy.

Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This is the creamy surprise that makes these muffins so special! You can add a bit of sugar here if you like your filling a touch sweeter, but it’s totally optional.

Fill Muffin Cups

Now for the fun part! Grab your muffin tin and line it with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each cup halfway with the pumpkin batter, then add a generous spoonful of that luscious cream cheese filling right in the center. Top it off with more batter until the cups are about 3/4 full. This way, you’ll get that perfect cream cheese surprise when you bite into them!

Bake the Muffins

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just be careful not to open the oven door too soon; we want those muffins to rise beautifully!

Cool and Serve

Once they’re baked to perfection, let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial; it helps the flavors settle and enhances the texture. Plus, it makes them easier to handle when you’re ready to indulge!

Tips for Success

Alright, folks, let’s talk about a few pro tips to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins turn out absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little details make all the difference.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them mix better and creates a smoother batter, which means fluffier muffins!
Adjusting the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of pumpkin spice to suit your taste. If you love that warm spice flavor, go ahead and add a bit more—it’s your kitchen, after all!
Don’t Overmix: Remember, when blending your wet and dry ingredients, less is more. Mix just until combined; a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and nobody wants that.
Check for Doneness: When you do the toothpick test, make sure it comes out clean, but don’t be afraid of a few moist crumbs. That’s a sign of a beautifully moist muffin!
Cool Completely: Letting your muffins cool fully before devouring them allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set. I know it’s tough, but patience pays off here!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins ever. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each delightful Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffin. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use.

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g

These muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also provide a little fuel to keep you going throughout the day! Enjoy them guilt-free knowing you’re indulging in a little bit of wholesome goodness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a batch of these Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins, you might be left with a few (or maybe all of them—no judgment here!). To keep them fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them around a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week.

Now, if you’ve made a big batch or just want to save some for later, these muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature, or you can pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This little warm-up brings back that fresh-baked feel and makes the cream cheese filling all gooey again—yum!

So, whether you’re savoring them fresh or reheating a frozen treat, these muffins are sure to bring that cozy fall flavor into your home anytime you crave it!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my friendly advice to help you bake these beauties perfectly every time.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you’ve got fresh pumpkin, just roast it, scoop it out, and puree it until smooth. It’ll give you that lovely homemade flavor. Just make sure it’s well-drained so your muffins don’t get too wet!

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No problem! You can make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg, then adding a pinch of ginger and cloves. It’ll still give you that warm, spiced flavor we love in the muffins!

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Sure! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Trust me, they’ll still be delicious!

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

You bet! These muffins are perfect for making the day before your gathering. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests the next day!

Why are my muffins dense?

Ah, the dreaded dense muffin! This can happen if you overmix the batter or if your ingredients were too cold. Make sure to mix until just combined and use room temperature ingredients for the best texture!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Of course! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Just be sure not to overload them, or the muffins might not rise as beautifully!

How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for that perfect texture!

Hopefully, these answers help you on your baking adventure! If you’ve got more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I love chatting about muffins!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
Delightful fall flavors that capture the essence of the season in every bite.
A creamy surprise filling that makes each muffin feel like a special treat.
Moist and fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
A great way to use up that pumpkin puree and embrace all things autumn!
These muffins freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime you crave that cozy flavor.
Kid-friendly and sure to become a family favorite!