Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall, these Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins are exactly what you need. Each muffin is moist and tender, with the delicious blend of pumpkin spice and a sugary cinnamon coating that makes them nearly impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or as a delightful snack, these mini muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfectly Spiced and Sugary Muffins

Pumpkin and cinnamon are a match made in autumn heaven. These mini muffins pack a punch of pumpkin flavor, balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, which add depth and richness to each bite. The cinnamon-sugar coating brings it all together, giving these muffins an irresistibly sweet and slightly crunchy finish.

Easy to Make and Share

These mini pumpkin muffins are easy to whip up and bake in just a few minutes. They’re the perfect size for snacking, and their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share and serve at gatherings. Plus, they come together with simple pantry ingredients, so you can easily make them on a whim whenever you’re craving something warm and cozy.

Great for Any Occasion

These muffins are a versatile treat that works just as well as a breakfast option as they do as a dessert. The pumpkin and spice make them a wonderful addition to any fall menu, but they’re also delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Make a batch for your next get-together, or keep some on hand for a quick grab-and-go snack. Once you try these mini muffins, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Ingredients for Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these tasty little treats. Each component adds a unique flavor and texture, ensuring your muffins are soft, moist, and packed with fall-inspired spices.

• Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour – You can use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or a combination of both. Whole wheat adds a slightly nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value, while all-purpose flour keeps them light and tender.
• Baking Powder – This helps the muffins rise, making them fluffy and light. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that brings all the cozy autumn flavors together. You can find this pre-made, or make your own at home.
• Ground Cinnamon – For an extra layer of warmth, we add more cinnamon. It complements the pumpkin and enhances the overall spiciness.
• Salt – Just a little to balance out the sweetness and intensify the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the muffins. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Brown Sugar – Both light and dark brown sugar work well. It adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Egg – This helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the muffins. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a touch of aromatic sweetness that enhances the flavor of the muffins.
• Pumpkin Puree – The star of the show! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
• Milk – You can use any type of milk you prefer. It keeps the muffins moist and adds a bit of creaminess.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

The final touch is a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating that gives these muffins an extra burst of sweetness and a subtle crunch.

• Granulated Sugar – This is mixed with cinnamon to create the sweet coating that covers each muffin.
• Ground Cinnamon – Combined with sugar to give each muffin a warm, spicy finish.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to the muffins, adding richness and flavor.

How to Make Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

Making these muffins is quick and easy, with just a few simple steps. The key to these muffins’ incredible flavor is the combination of pumpkin spice and a sugary cinnamon coating that truly sets them apart. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk, and mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
4. Fill the Muffin Tins: Using a spoon, fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter.
5. Bake the Muffins: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: After cooling slightly, dip each muffin in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Let the muffins set on a cooling rack before serving.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious, cinnamon-sugar-coated mini pumpkin muffins ready to enjoy!

Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mini Muffins

Getting the perfect batch of mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins is easy with a few helpful tips. Let’s explore how to bake these muffins to perfection, as well as how to store them so they stay fresh and delicious.

How Long to Bake Mini Pumpkin Muffins

Because these muffins are mini, they bake faster than regular-sized muffins. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly:

• Mini Muffins: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
• Regular Muffins: If you decide to make standard-sized muffins, increase the baking time to 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to determine when they’re done.

For the best results, avoid over-baking as this can lead to dry muffins. Keep a close watch during the last couple of minutes of baking.

Storing Leftover Muffins

Mini pumpkin muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To prevent the cinnamon-sugar coating from becoming too wet, cover the container loosely to allow for a bit of airflow.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. If you’d like to restore their original softness, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Freezing Mini Pumpkin Muffins

If you want to make a batch in advance, these mini muffins freeze well:

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place the muffins in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These mini muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more delightful:

• Warm and Fresh: Serve them warm for the ultimate cozy treat. A quick zap in the microwave can bring back that freshly baked taste.
• With a Spread: Add a bit of whipped butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
• As Part of a Fall Brunch: Pair with a warm cup of coffee or spiced cider for a festive autumn breakfast.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Over-Mix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can result in dense muffins.
• Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Pumpkin puree provides pure pumpkin flavor without added sugar or spices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure the egg and milk are at room temperature. This helps them mix evenly with the other ingredients.

By following these tips, you’ll have beautifully spiced mini muffins with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that’s hard to resist. Enjoy these treats as a quick snack, a breakfast addition, or even a dessert!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?