Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add a tablespoon of sugar and half an egg; mix until well combined, then set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and any salt if used.
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, the remaining eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
Pour a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, about a third full. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling, then top with more muffin batter until the cups are about three-quarters full.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffins comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.