Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious fusion of rich, moist pumpkin batter and a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, all studded with melty chocolate chips. The combination of warm fall spices and the tangy cream cheese creates an irresistible muffin that is perfect for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage. The pumpkin adds moisture and depth to the muffins, while the cream cheese provides a creamy contrast to the soft, spiced pumpkin base. Let’s explore how to create these delightful treats from scratch.
Preparing the Pumpkin Batter
The first step to making these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is to prepare the spiced pumpkin batter. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the muffin batter:
- 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of salt
This dry mixture is the foundation of your muffins. The combination of baking soda and spices ensures that the muffins will rise well while having a warm, spiced flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin purée
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined. The pumpkin purée adds moisture and flavor, while the sugars sweeten the mixture. The eggs and oil create a rich, tender crumb, and the vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the spices and pumpkin.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. Once the batter is mixed, fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt slightly as the muffins bake, creating pockets of delicious, gooey chocolate.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
The cream cheese filling is what sets these muffins apart from traditional pumpkin muffins. Here’s how to make the filling:
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by softening 8 ounces of cream cheese. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in 10-second increments until soft. This will make it easier to mix and ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with:
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Whisk or beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The sugar sweetens the cream cheese, while the egg yolk helps the filling set as it bakes. The vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Assembling the Muffins
Now that the pumpkin batter and cream cheese filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the muffins.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your muffins don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove.
Step 2: Fill the Muffin Cups
Start by spooning about 2 tablespoons of pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. You want the cups to be about one-third full. The goal is to create a base for the cream cheese filling to sit on.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Filling
Next, drop a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup, on top of the pumpkin batter. The cream cheese filling should sit nicely in the center without spreading to the edges.
Step 4: Top with More Batter
Spoon another tablespoon of pumpkin batter over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely. The muffin cups should be about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Add Extra Chocolate Chips
For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking. These will melt on top of the muffins, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Baking the Muffins
With the muffins assembled, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection.
Step 1: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese filling) comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 2: Cool the Muffins
Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cream cheese filling will set as the muffins cool, so it’s important not to rush this step.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. The cream cheese filling gives the muffins a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced pumpkin batter and melty chocolate chips.
Storing the Muffins
Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s important to store the muffins properly.
- Refrigeration: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: These muffins also freeze well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make the muffins your own:
Add Nuts
For a little extra crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. About ½ cup of nuts should be enough to add texture without overpowering the muffins.
Try Different Spices
If you want to experiment with the flavor profile, consider adding or substituting different spices. For example, a pinch of allspice or cardamom can give the muffins a unique twist.
Use Dark Chocolate Chips
If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. The bittersweet chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin and cream cheese.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect fall treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a luscious cream cheese filling and melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, these muffins are sure to impress. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create moist, flavorful muffins that are both visually appealing and delicious to eat.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious fusion of rich, moist pumpkin batter and a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, all studded with melty chocolate chips. The combination of warm fall spices and the tangy cream cheese creates an irresistible muffin that is perfect for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage. The pumpkin adds moisture and depth to the muffins, while the cream cheese provides a creamy contrast to the soft, spiced pumpkin base. Let's explore how to create these delightful treats from scratch.
Ingredients
- For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Spoon about 2/3 of the pumpkin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin and gently swirl it with a toothpick or knife. Then, top each muffin with a bit more of the pumpkin batter.
7. Bake the Muffins:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store these muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Pumpkin Substitution: You can substitute fresh homemade pumpkin puree if desired, but make sure to drain excess moisture for the best texture.