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To create these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mini Muffins, it is essential to understand the roles of the key ingredients that come together to form this delightful recipe. Each element contributes to the overall flavor, texture, and enjoyment of the muffins.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mini Muffins

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mini Muffins? These delightful bite-sized treats perfectly capture the season with their warm spices and rich flavors. Each moist muffin boasts a creamy, indulgent filling that surprises with every bite. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert, these mini muffins are a fun way to bring the taste of autumn to your table. Gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin!

Ingredients
  

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a mini muffin pan by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and a dash of the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later.

      Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until you achieve a smooth and well-integrated mixture.

        Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This helps to ensure there are no lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula to fold gently. Mix until just combined; be mindful not to overmix. If you like, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and mini chocolate chips at this step.

            Fill Muffin Pan: Using a tablespoon, scoop about half of the muffin batter into each mini muffin cup. Add a small dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin, and then top with another tablespoon of batter, ensuring the cream cheese is completely covered.

              Bake: Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfectly fine).

                Cool: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing air to circulate around them.

                  Serve: These delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mini Muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them the perfect treat any time of the day!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                      - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                        - Total Time: 30 minutes

                          - Servings: Approximately 24 mini muffins

                            Presentation Tips: For a charming touch, consider dusting the cooled muffins with powdered sugar or drizzling a bit of cream cheese frosting on top before serving. Arrange them on a decorative platter for a festive look!