Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – A Cozy Watkins® Inspired Autumn Recipe

The heart of autumn beats in the oven—where pumpkin meets cream cheese, and warm spices swirl into golden muffins. This recipe delivers everything you love about a coffeehouse treat but elevated with the unmatched richness of Watkins® spices and extracts. With a tender pumpkin crumb, a silky cream cheese center, and a festive sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, these muffins promise comfort in every bite.

The Secret to Irresistible Flavor: Watkins® Quality

Baking is more than mixing ingredients—it’s about creating experiences that linger. Watkins Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice, Watkins Pure Ground Cinnamon, and Watkins Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla® bring out layers of depth that ordinary blends simply can’t match. Their purity and potency transform these muffins from homemade to heavenly, making them shine on holiday tables and chilly autumn mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon milk

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla®

Pumpkin Muffins

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Ground Cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon Watkins Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Allspice

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Cloves

• ¼ teaspoon Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree

• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 2 to 3 teaspoons Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla®

Toppings

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, divided (optional)

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, divided (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, and Watkins vanilla until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin Muffins

Whisk flour, baking powder, Watkins spices, and sea salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, milk, molasses, and Watkins vanilla until smooth and glossy. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet until just combined.

3. Assemble the Muffins

Spoon batter into a greased or lined 12-count muffin tin. Pipe the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Top with pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of coarse sugar if desired.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Cool slightly before serving.

Why These Muffins Stand Out

• Rich, layered spice: Watkins’ high-quality spices ensure depth in every bite.

• Coffeehouse rival: Skip the line and bake a batch at home—better, fresher, and more affordable.

• Holiday-ready: With their festive look, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving tables or fall gatherings.

• Endlessly versatile: Add chocolate chips, cranberries, or a caramel drizzle for your own twist.

Suggested Serving Ideas

• Pair with hot coffee or chai for a dreamy breakfast.

• Add to a dessert board for Thanksgiving celebrations.

• Wrap in parchment and ribbon as edible holiday gifts.

To check the best in gourmet spices 👉Quality Since 1868

Final Bite

These Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese are more than just a seasonal bake—they’re the warmth of autumn, the richness of tradition, and the joy of sharing something unforgettable. With the signature touch of Watkins®, Inc., every muffin becomes a story worth savoring.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.