These Donut Pumpkin Muffins are a warm treat filled with cozy pumpkin spice flavors. Soft, sweet, and topped with a light cinnamon sugar coating, they make any day feel special!
Who doesn’t love a muffin that tastes like dessert? I enjoy having them for breakfast or as a snack. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee and always disappear fast!
Making these muffins is super easy! Just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy the delightful smell filling your kitchen—trust me, your friends will be impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the muffins, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, just ensure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient and works well here. You could also make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. Sweet potato puree is a great alternative for a different twist!
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives the muffins that cozy flavor. If you don’t have ground cloves, you can skip it or replace it with more cinnamon or allspice. I love adding a pinch of ginger too for an extra kick!
Oil vs. butter: Using vegetable oil makes the muffins moist. If you prefer, melted butter adds a rich flavor, which I sometimes opt for when I want a buttery taste. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so here are some simple tips:
- Mix wet ingredients together until just combined, then add the dry ingredients in one go.
- Use a spatula to fold gently. Stop as soon as you see no dry flour; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Also, using room temperature ingredients helps everything combine smoothly without overworking the batter.
By following these tips, you’ll have fluffy, delightful muffins that everyone will enjoy!
Donut Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Donut Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to brush before coating)
For the Drizzle (Optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips or small chocolate chunks (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 40 minutes. Plus, a few minutes for cooling and coating at the end. You’ll have warm, tasty muffins in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all your spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). This will blend the dry ingredients and allow the spices to distribute evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil (or melted butter). Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
Add your eggs to the mixture one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture.
5. Add Pumpkin and Vanilla:
Now stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is nice and smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until it’s combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
7. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Evenly divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for rising without overflowing.
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Muffins:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to handle without breaking.
10. Brush with Butter:
While they’re still warm, brush the tops of your muffins with melted butter—this helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick on nicely!
11. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle or roll each muffin’s top in the cinnamon sugar to create that yummy “donut” effect.
12. Drizzle (Optional):
If you’re feeling fancy, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this over the muffin tops for an extra touch of sweetness!
13. Garnish:
While the drizzle is still wet, add chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful finish. They not only taste good but look great too!
14. Let Cool Completely:
Finally, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This will help them stay fluffy and perfect!
Enjoy these moist, warmly spiced pumpkin muffins with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust and a touch of icing—a perfect autumn treat that feels just like a donut!
Can I Substitute the Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use sweet potato puree as an alternative to pumpkin puree. It gives a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you are using a pureed form without added sugar or spices.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them for freezing!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Keep in mind that if you use a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup, you’ll need to balance the dry ingredients and possibly reduce the liquid in the recipe.
What Should I Do If the Batter Seems Too Thick?
If your batter looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Just mix gently until everything is combined, but be cautious not to overmix. You want a slightly thick batter that holds its shape but is not dry!
