Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin pans, or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended.
5. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Spoon a few tablespoons of the muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin cup. Top with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, then cover with more muffin batter.
6. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.

Interesting Facts

• Pumpkin puree is a great source of fiber and vitamin A.
• Cream cheese is a great source of calcium and protein.
• Pumpkin pie spice is a great way to add a unique flavor to recipes.