The Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Looking for the perfect pumpkin muffin that’s soft, flavorful, and filled with all the cozy fall spices? These ultimate pumpkin muffins are just what you need!

I made a batch last weekend, and they were gone before I could even get one with my coffee! They’re perfectly spiced, wonderfully moist, and have that delicious pumpkin flavor in every bite.

Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a fall treat to share with friends and family. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, you’ll be baking them all season long.

Ready to bake the perfect pumpkin muffins? Let’s dive into this recipe—you won’t be able to stop at one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Fall Favorite: Perfect for cool mornings, these pumpkin muffins are packed with flavor that’s as comforting as a cozy sweater.
• Warm and Spicy: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuses the muffins with the classic flavors of fall.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can make these muffins without any complicated steps.
• Freezable: Make a batch and freeze for later—these muffins are great for meal prep or when you need a quick snack!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just because, these muffins always steal the show.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields 12 delicious muffins, perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself. Double the recipe if you need more!

Difficulty:
This recipe is beginner-friendly, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Whisk
• Spoon or ice cream scoop for portioning
• Cooling rack

Ingredients for the Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fall-inspired muffins. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the muffins that gives them structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the muffins are light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the pumpkin and spices.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – A warm, aromatic spice that screams fall.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a hint of sweet warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – A bit of spice that adds complexity.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the muffins to perfection.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – The star of the show, giving the muffins moisture and that delicious pumpkin flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors.

Variations for Pumpkin Muffins

• Add Nuts: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Make Them Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Replace the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for an extra boost of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise to perfection.

2. Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps the muffins release easily once they’re baked and keeps cleanup simple.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this bowl aside. These spices will bring out that cozy fall flavor and make your house smell amazing!

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

6. Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into each cup. Fill each cup about 2/3 full.

7. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will be filled with the scent of fall as they bake!

8. Cool the Muffins

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. After that, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve The Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins

These pumpkin muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• For Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• As a Snack: Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a light snack for the kids.
• With Butter or Jam: Spread a little butter or your favorite fruit jam for an added touch of sweetness.
• For Dessert: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent pumpkin-inspired dessert.

Storing Pumpkin Muffins

• Room Temperature: Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: You can store them in the fridge for up to 1 week to keep them fresh longer.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. This ensures everything blends together smoothly.
3. Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your muffins towards the end of the baking time. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when they’re done.
4. Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overworking the batter.
5. Make Mini Muffins: If you prefer smaller servings, you can make mini muffins instead. Just reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
6. Don’t Skip Cooling: Allow your muffins to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. This ensures the perfect texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	200 kcal
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	29g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	14g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	50% DV
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	4% DV

(Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Pumpkin Muffins FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, simply cook and puree it before using. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid making the batter too wet.

Can I make these muffins without sugar?
You can substitute the sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but this may change the texture slightly. Reduce the liquid in the recipe if you choose to use liquid sweeteners.

How can I make these muffins more moist?
For extra moisture, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. It will keep the muffins soft and tender.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins are everything you want in a fall treat—moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a cozy snack, or a sweet dessert. Happy baking!