Discover how to make flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins that are moist and perfect for fall. This easy recipe is a cozy treat you’ll love to bake and share.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
If you’re craving a moist and flavorful fall treat, these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins are exactly what you need. With warm spices and a sweet cinnamon sugar crust, these muffins are a delightful way to enjoy pumpkin season. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy muffin recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection.
Why You’ll Love It
These pumpkin muffins combine the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and pumpkin in a soft, tender crumb. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a perfect crunchy sweetness. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing or meal prepping. Using pantry staples and simple ingredients means you can whip them up quickly whenever the craving hits.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (use coconut sugar for refined sugar-free option)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 2 large eggs (use flax eggs for vegan alternative)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the pumpkin puree, oil, milk, vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Mix additional cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle a generous pinch on top of each muffin for a sweet crust.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Expert Tips
For perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins every time, here are some tips: Use fresh pumpkin puree rather than pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar. If you don’t have vegetable oil, melted coconut or canola oil works great. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense muffins — stir just until combined. Check doneness with a toothpick near the center. Allow muffins to cool to set the crumb and enhance flavor.
Storage
Store your baked muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the fridge or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
Variations
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and use nondairy milk.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and oils like coconut or avocado oil.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar and use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins?
- Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin before measuring 1 cup for this recipe. Ensure it is smooth and thick for the best texture.
- How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are perfectly baked.
- Can these muffins be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Bake the muffins and store them in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for convenient future snacks.
- What’s the best way to reheat these pumpkin muffins?
- Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at low heat to revive their freshness.
- Are Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins healthy?
- These muffins offer a good balance of flavor with pumpkin’s nutrients and warm spices. Using healthier substitutions can make them even more nutritious.
Call to Action
If you loved this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins recipe, please leave a comment below sharing your experience or tips. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and save it for your fall baking list. Share with friends who need a cozy muffin fix this season! For more seasonal baking ideas, explore Fall Bakery Recipes or try other favorites like Pumpkin Bread and Apple Cinnamon Muffins. For additional baking tips, visit Food Network.
