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Cozy Spiced Brown Butter Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe with Easy Streusel Topping

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These pumpkin muffins feature a nutty brown butter base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar streusel topping, perfect for cozy fall mornings and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240g) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/3 cup (45g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, swirling gently until brown specks form and a nutty aroma develops. Remove from heat and let cool about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin puree; mix until smooth and glossy.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
  4. Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined; batter should be slightly lumpy.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Make Streusel Topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and break down with fingers or pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in nuts if using.
  7. Assemble Muffins: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with liners or grease. Spoon about 2 tablespoons batter into each cup, add 1 teaspoon cream cheese filling, then cover with another 2 tablespoons batter. Sprinkle streusel topping generously.
  8. Bake: Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick near the edge comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Chill cream cheese filling before assembling to prevent leaking. Avoid overmixing batter to keep muffins tender. Streusel topping can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Use silicone or paper liners for easy cleanup. Mini muffin pans can be used with adjusted baking time (12-15 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin muffins, brown butter, cream cheese filling, streusel topping, fall baking, cozy muffins, easy pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/cozy-spiced-brown-butter-pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins-recipe-with-easy-streusel-topping/