Autumn Spice Pumpkin Muffins are the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. With a delightful blend of spices and a moist, tender crumb, they make a comforting treat for any day of the week. Packed with pumpkin goodness and warm spices, these muffins will surely become a seasonal favorite.
The star of the show is, of course, the pumpkin puree. It adds moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness to the muffins. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar provides a balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the muffins tender, while eggs help bind everything together. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, which forms the structure, and baking soda to help the muffins rise. The trio of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuses the classic warmth and spice of autumn. A pinch of salt balances the flavors, and a splash of milk ensures the batter is smooth and easy to work with. If you like a bit of texture, add some chopped pecans.
These muffins are delightful on their own or served with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter. For a cozy breakfast, pair them with a hot cup of chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and a fresh fruit salad.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This way, everything will be ready once your batter is good to go. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed — nobody wants a clump of nutmeg in one bite!
Next, grab a large bowl and mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should look like a rich, velvety pumpkin soup. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
If you’re adding pecans, gently fold them in now. This adds a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.