These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the cozy flavors of fall—pumpkin, cinnamon, and a sweet cream cheese glaze—into soft, fluffy muffins that are easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a delightful snack, these muffins offer a unique twist on traditional pumpkin treats, making them a standout option for gatherings or quiet mornings at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins can be whipped up in no time.
- Flavorful Combination – The blend of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting flavor that captures the essence of fall.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins can fit any occasion.
- Creamy Glaze – The addition of a sweet cream cheese glaze elevates the muffins from good to irresistible.
- Batch-Friendly – This recipe yields 12 muffins, making it ideal for sharing or storing for later.
Tools and Preparation
To get started with your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, gather the necessary tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin – Essential for shaping your muffins into perfect portions that bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – Provides enough space to combine ingredients without spills.
- Whisk – Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air into your mixture.
- Toothpick – A handy tool for testing if your muffins are fully baked by checking for doneness.
Ingredients
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the cozy flavors of fall—pumpkin, cinnamon, and a sweet cream cheese glaze—into soft, fluffy muffins that are easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
For the Muffins:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 Tbsp milk
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
1. Canned pumpkin puree
2. Melted butter
3. Granulated sugar
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract
Ensure everything is well combined until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
Mix until uniform.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay!
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Ground cinnamon
This will create your delicious swirl.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Top each one with a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Then add more batter on top and swirl lightly with a toothpick.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Glaze
While muffins cool slightly on a wire rack, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Vanilla extract
3. Milk (add gradually until desired consistency is reached)
Drizzle over slightly cooled muffins before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your muffin experience.
For Breakfast
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for an afternoon treat.
- Add a spread of nut butter for extra flavor and protein.
For Dessert
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel for an indulgent finish.
At Brunch
- Arrange on a platter alongside other baked goods for a stunning brunch display.
- Serve with yogurt and granola on the side for a delicious combination.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
To achieve the best results when making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking ingredients, especially spices and leavening agents, to ensure maximum flavor and rise.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing can result in dense muffins rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your muffins as they bake; oven temperatures can vary. Check them a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Allow to cool slightly: Let muffins cool for 5-10 minutes before adding glaze. This helps the glaze set better and prevents it from melting away.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit into the batter for added texture and flavor variety.
- Store properly: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome addition rich in protein.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and substance that complements the muffins nicely.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit is perfect for those who crave something hearty alongside their muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a thick smoothie bowl topped with seeds or granola for added crunch.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding can be flavored to match your muffins, making it a perfect pairing full of fiber and healthy fats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can make your muffins dense. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, making your muffins tough. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy muffins.
- Skipping the Swirl: Neglecting the cinnamon swirl means missing out on flavor. Make sure you add this step for that signature taste!
- Not Checking Doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overcooked muffins. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness.
- Cooling on the Pan: Letting muffins cool in the pan can lead to sogginess. Transfer them to a wire rack as soon as they are out of the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly before adding it to your batter.
How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking and adjust liquid if needed.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins special?
The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a cozy fall flavor that’s enhanced by the cream cheese glaze—perfect for any time of day!
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give them a try; they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Blending the rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, these soft and fluffy muffins are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter (for the cinnamon swirl)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for the cinnamon swirl)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon swirl)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for the cream cheese glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for the cream cheese glaze)
- 2–3 Tbsp milk (for the cream cheese glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter; add a spoonful of swirl mixture and top with more batter. Swirl lightly with a toothpick.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the cream cheese glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until desired consistency is reached; drizzle over muffins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overmix to keep muffins light and fluffy. Experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
