Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the warming spice of cinnamon paired with the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin, all baked into a bite-sized treat. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins blend the cozy flavors of fall into a wonderfully moist muffin with a gooey cinnamon swirl and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a festive dessert, or a sweet snack, these muffins will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Ready to indulge in a mini cinnamon roll experience with a pumpkin twist? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins come together with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and spice. From the pumpkin puree that adds gorgeous color and moisture, to the cinnamon that infuses warmth, every component is essential.

• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, tenderness, and that classic autumn flavor.
• Melted butter (or vegetable oil): Adds richness and keeps the muffins super tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the pumpkin.
• Large egg: Binds everything together with a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the muffin.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Work as leaveners to give the muffins a soft rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the spices.
• Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes these muffins taste like little cinnamon rolls.
• Melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (for the swirl): Create that irresistible gooey cinnamon filling inside each muffin.
• Powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (for the glaze): A sweet, creamy finish that elevates the muffins to a bakery-level treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously spray with nonstick spray to make lifting those muffins out a breeze later on. Setting the stage early ensures even baking and beautiful muffin tops.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients until smooth creates a velvety base where the pumpkin’s moisture will shine through, promising rich, tender muffins.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients provide the structure and the signature flavor punch—be sure to whisk well to evenly distribute the leaveners and spice.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Gently

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and fluffy, which will translate into tender, soft muffins with a perfect crumb.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This simple yet glorious mixture will create the swirled pockets of cinnamon sugar magic right inside each muffin, reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon roll.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl the Batter

Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter, then spoon a generous dollop of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Add more batter until the cups are nearly full. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating beautiful layered ribbons of cinnamon goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops have turned a warm golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

While the muffins cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this luscious topping over the muffins while they are still warm enough to absorb a bit of the glaze but cool enough not to melt it away. The glaze adds that final touch of sweet, creamy elegance.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

These muffins are delightful on their own but can be dressed up with a few sprinkles of chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to amplify their autumn vibe.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins alongside a steaming cup of chai latte, creamy hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee. For breakfast, pair them with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balance of indulgence and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these muffins into the star of a brunch spread by arranging them on a tiered stand with small bowls of whipped cream, fruit preserves, and honey. For an adorable twist, serve them inside hollowed mini pumpkins or decorative autumn-themed paper liners to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered is key to maintaining their tender crumb and scrumptious swirl.

Freezing

Want to enjoy Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins beyond a single batch? Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They freeze beautifully without losing their wonderful texture or flavor.

Reheating

To revive frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For an extra touch of crispness, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and drain any excess liquid to avoid watery batter that could affect the texture of your muffins.

Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?

Yes, vegetable oil or any mild-flavored oil can be used instead of melted butter. Oil will keep the muffins moist, though the flavor will be slightly less rich compared to butter.

How do I make the cinnamon swirl without it sinking to the bottom?

The trick is to add the swirl mixture halfway through filling the muffin cups, then top with more batter and gently swirl with a toothpick. This layering keeps the swirl evenly distributed without it sinking.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the egg with a flax or chia seed egg, use plant-based milk for the glaze, and replace butter with vegan margarine or oil. The results will still be deliciously spiced and moist!

What other spices can I add to these muffins?

Feel free to experiment with warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger alongside cinnamon for a more complex fall flavor profile. Just a pinch of each goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins is such a joyful experience, especially when you get to share the fruits of your labor with friends and family. These little bundles of creamy glaze, tender pumpkin, and swirling cinnamon bring a cozy, heartfelt vibe to any table. So go ahead and bake yourself a batch—your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!

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