Donut Pumpkin Muffins are a perfect combination of the cozy flavors of fall and the delightful texture of a freshly baked muffin. With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these muffins are reminiscent of the best fall treats but in a convenient, handheld form. The addition of pumpkin puree not only provides a delicious flavor but also gives the muffins a moist and soft texture that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

These muffins are ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They’re simple to make, filling, and have a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice that will remind you of the comforting flavors of autumn. Topped with a cinnamon sugar coating, these muffins get an extra touch of sweetness and warmth that make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for yourself or hosting a cozy gathering, Donut Pumpkin Muffins will certainly be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Fall Flavors

With cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, these muffins capture the essence of fall in every bite. They’re the perfect treat for autumn cravings.

2. Soft and Moist Texture

Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these muffins are incredibly moist, light, and fluffy, with a tender crumb that makes them irresistible.

3. Simple to Make

This recipe comes together quickly and easily, with straightforward ingredients that most people already have in their pantry.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating on top adds a touch of sweetness and spice, giving these muffins a delightful donut-like finish that everyone will love.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a fall breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. They also make an excellent addition to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Baking soda
Salt
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Butter (melted)

Variations

Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free: Substitute vegetable oil with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the batter to suit your taste. You can add ginger or cloves for an extra kick of warmth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the muffins are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dip each muffin into the melted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the muffins are coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a hot beverage of your choice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the muffins to become tough. Stir until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs will help the ingredients mix together more evenly.
Customize the Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love the flavors, or experiment with ginger or allspice.
Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you have fresh pumpkin puree, it works just as well as canned pumpkin for this recipe.

How to Serve

These muffins are perfect as a quick breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to stay fresher for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

Reheat the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore their fresh, soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will affect the flavor and texture of the muffins. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free. Make sure to follow the recommended measurements on the flour package for the best results.

3. How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Simply replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or coconut milk.

4. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to these muffins?

Yes, you can fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolaty twist.

6. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these muffins a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

7. How do I make these muffins extra moist?

The pumpkin puree keeps the muffins moist. Be sure to measure your flour properly to avoid dry muffins. Adding an extra tablespoon of oil can also help with moisture.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with different sugars like coconut sugar or maple sugar. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor of the muffins.

9. How can I make the muffins less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or adjust the cinnamon sugar coating to your taste.

10. Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet topping, you can skip the cinnamon sugar coating. The muffins will still be delicious on their own.

Conclusion

Donut Pumpkin Muffins are the ultimate fall treat that combines the warmth of seasonal spices, the richness of pumpkin, and the sweetness of cinnamon sugar. They’re easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Whether you enjoy them as they are or customize them with your favorite add-ins, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your autumn baking repertoire.