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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Description

Hello, pumpkin lovers! Fall is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a batch of Indulgent Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with Creamy Cheesecake Filling? This recipe combines all the cozy flavors of the season with the rich texture of a cream cheese filling and the added treat of chocolate chips. Whether you’re making these for a cozy fall breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
  • ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The spice that screams autumn.
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth to the muffins.
  • ½ tsp ground ginger – Gives a slight zing.
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • ½ cup vegetable oil – You can substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
  • 2 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup chocolate chips – Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips work perfectly here.

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Creamy goodness for the filling.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the cheesecake center.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese.

Topping:

  • ¼ cup chocolate chips – For a decorative (and delicious) garnish on top.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed to ensure your muffins have a balanced flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will give your muffins a rich and moist texture.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the muffins dense. Fold in the chocolate chips for that delicious chocolatey burst in each bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture will be spooned into the center of each muffin.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the pumpkin batter. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin, then cover with more pumpkin batter until the liner is about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of each muffin for a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the side of a muffin (away from the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother cream cheese filling, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • Pumpkin Puree Tip: Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that may alter the recipe.
  • Chocolate Chip Variety: Feel free to mix dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for extra indulgence. You can also use mini chocolate chips for a more even distribution.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins-with-cream-cheese-filling/