Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

If there’s one treat that tastes like crisp autumn mornings and cozy afternoons all in a single bite, it’s Pumpkin Muffins. Packed with warm spices and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor, these muffins deliver tender, fluffy centers and just the right touch of sweetness—whether you’re savoring them with coffee, sharing at brunch, or grabbing a quick snack. There’s something truly special about baking pumpkin muffins from scratch and filling your kitchen with their irresistible aroma.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need loads of fancy ingredients to create perfect pumpkin muffins—just a handful of kitchen staples that work together to create pure autumn magic. Each component plays a key role in texture, taste, or gorgeous golden color.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the muffins structure and softness—stick with all-purpose for the best crumb!
• Baking soda: Helps the muffins rise high and fluffy, giving them their beautiful domed tops.
• Baking powder: Offers an extra boost alongside the baking soda to create a tender, airy bite.
• Salt: Just a touch balances all the sweetness and deepens the flavors overall.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings out that fall flavor in every muffin.
• Packed brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with subtle molasses notes and keeps the muffins wonderfully moist.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add rich texture—room temperature eggs mix best!
• Canned pumpkin purée: The star of the show; brings that signature color, taste, and incredible moistness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb super tender and light, never greasy.
• Milk: Softens the texture and helps everything blend into a smooth, luscious batter.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant finish that makes each muffin irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it time to get nice and hot. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to ensure your pumpkin muffins come out cleanly, every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking not only combines everything evenly but also gives a little extra lift to your batter for the fluffiest muffins.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, beat together the packed brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. This is where the magic starts—enjoy the sight (and aroma!) of that pumpkin and spice coming together.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, so be soft-handed for tender, bakery-style results.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters of the way full. This helps the pumpkin muffins rise into those dreamy domes that look as good as they taste.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into your oven and bake for 20–22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool for five minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long!).

How to Serve Pumpkin Muffins

Garnishes

To make your pumpkin muffins extra special, try sprinkling the tops with raw sugar before baking for a lovely crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar before serving looks beautiful, or add a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk for a sweet, shiny touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your pumpkin muffins with a mug of hot coffee or chai for the coziest breakfast ever. They also play nicely with a fresh fruit salad or a little vanilla yogurt for a more complete brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange pumpkin muffins on a pretty cake stand or tiered tray for brunches and gatherings. For lunchboxes or snacks, tuck them into parchment paper and tie with a bit of twine for a charming, homemade touch that feels straight out of a bakery!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your pumpkin muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and moist without the need for refrigeration, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

Pumpkin muffins freeze beautifully! Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment if needed. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight at room temperature when you need a quick breakfast or snack.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat thawed muffins in a microwave for about ten seconds or warm them in a low oven for five minutes. They taste freshly baked and the pumpkin aroma makes every morning better.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works beautifully in pumpkin muffins—just be sure to drain off any excess moisture and mash it until very smooth for consistent muffins every time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your blend includes xanthan gum or add a half-teaspoon to help the muffins hold together nicely.

How can I make my pumpkin muffins extra moist?

These muffins are already super tender, but adding a couple of tablespoons of applesauce or a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients makes them even softer and extra moist!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Stir in up to half a cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts with the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture for added texture and flavor in every bite.

What’s the best way to keep muffins fresh?

The key is storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, adding a paper towel underneath to absorb extra moisture. This keeps your pumpkin muffins fresh and delicious for days.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these pumpkin muffins—there’s just something magical about baking up a batch and sharing them with people you love. Give them a whirl, and I promise, even non-pumpkin fans will be coming back for more!

Print