You know that cozy smell that makes you think of fall? That’s what I get when I bake Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Warm, sweet, and full of spice—it feels like autumn in every bite.

I love how soft and fluffy they turn out. The pumpkin keeps them moist, and the cinnamon and nutmeg give that perfect cozy flavor. It’s like having a little piece of fall right in your hands.

And here’s the thing—they’re great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. I find myself reaching for one with my morning coffee and again at night. They’re just that good.

So, if you’re craving something warm, simple, and comforting, these Pumpkin Spice Muffins are it. Let’s bake a batch and bring that fall feeling right into the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: These muffins are consistently a “fan favorite,” “fall in a bite,” and “pure pumpkin heaven.”
Warm and Cozy Flavors: A mix of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla combine to create that irresistible autumn flavor.
Quick and Easy: These muffins come together quickly, with just one bowl for mixing and no fancy equipment required.
Moist and Fluffy: The pumpkin puree gives these muffins their signature soft texture, while a hint of brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Snacking: Make a batch and store them for quick breakfasts or afternoon treats throughout the week.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need much to make these delicious Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Just a few essential tools and you’re all set!

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all of your ingredients.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: To help blend your wet and dry ingredients together smoothly.
Muffin Tin and Liners: These will help ensure your muffins cook evenly and come out of the pan with ease.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
Spatula or Spoon: To fold the muffin batter and scrape out the last bits of goodness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these spiced pumpkin muffins (the exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the muffins, providing structure and softness.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents help the muffins rise to perfection, creating a fluffy texture.
Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: These spices give the muffins that iconic pumpkin spice flavor—warm, fragrant, and cozy.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Butter: Melted butter provides richness and moisture. You can substitute with oil if desired.
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient! It gives the muffins their texture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, giving a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the muffins.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the muffin’s rise.
Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of flavor.
Sugar (for sprinkling): A little sprinkle of turbinado sugar adds a crunchy, sweet finish to the top of the muffins.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, melty surprise in each bite.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free version like coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flax meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Maple Twist: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural, maple flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure the flour blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to ensure your muffins don’t stick.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined and set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix everything together until smooth and fully incorporated. The wet ingredients should be smooth and slightly creamy.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, folding gently with a spatula or spoon. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. This will help ensure your muffins stay light and fluffy.

5. Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 of the way full. This helps the muffins rise perfectly and prevents them from overflowing.

6. Sprinkle Sugar on Top

For that irresistible sugary crunch on top, sprinkle a little turbinado or granulated sugar over the top of each muffin before baking. This will create a slightly sweet, crunchy topping.

7. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and have risen nicely.

8. Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These Pumpkin Spice Muffins are so versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack: These muffins are perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Their warm spices make them an ideal companion for fall afternoons.
For Breakfast: Grab one on your way out the door for a quick and tasty breakfast. Pair it with a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced morning.
With a Hot Drink: Whether it’s a spiced chai latte, hot cocoa, or a classic pumpkin spice latte, these muffins pair perfectly with any warm drink.
With Cream Cheese or Butter: For extra richness, spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm muffin for a decadent treat.
In Lunchboxes: These muffins are great for school or work lunches. They keep well for a few days, making them a convenient, make-ahead option.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and fresh for a couple of days, making them perfect for grabbing on the go.
Freezing: To store for longer, freeze the muffins! Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Reheating: To reheat your muffins, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)

Here’s a general idea of what each Pumpkin Spice Muffin contains:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	31g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g
Sodium	120mg

Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portions used.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting fall recipe that combines the deliciousness of pumpkin with the warmth of spices, look no further than these Pumpkin Spice Muffins! Easy to make, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, they’re sure to become your go-to treat for the season. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or with a cozy cup of tea, these muffins will bring all the fall flavors straight to your kitchen.