Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that perfectly blends the cozy flavors of fall with the fun of a classic donut, then you have to try this Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. These muffins have the tender crumb and warm spices you love in pumpkin baked goods but get a delightful sugary cinnamon coating that gives them a donut-like twist. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or at your next gathering, these pumpkin muffins bring that irresistible combination of moistness, spice, and just the right amount of sweetness that makes every bite feel like a little celebration of the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe comes from a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role. From the rich melted butter that ensures moisture, to the pumpkin pie spice that delivers the signature warmth, every item works together to create muffins that are bursting with flavor and texture.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides richness and keeps the muffins tender and moist.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps establish the tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and moisture depth.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fluffy, soft texture.
• Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): This is the star, giving the muffins that delicious pumpkin flavor and moistness.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture to the batter, keeping muffins tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the muffins.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the acids in pumpkin to give lift and softness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings authentic fall spice notes.
• For rolling: granulated sugar (1/4 cup) and ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): This cinnamon-sugar coating turns ordinary muffins into delightful donut-like bites.

How to Make Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly from the start. Then, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until they’re fully combined. This combination helps create a caramelized sweetness and tender crumb in your muffins.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla

Next, crack in your eggs and add the pumpkin puree, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Stir everything gently until the mixture looks smooth and uniform — this is the flavorful base that keep your muffins moist and rich.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This dry mix provides the lift and essential fall spice notes that bring this recipe to life.

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding carefully just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can toughen your muffins, so keep it gentle and light to maintain that tender texture.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Use a spoon or scoop to divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives your muffins just enough room to rise and develop that perfect dome.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing with that cozy pumpkin-spice scent!

Step 8: Cool Muffins Slightly

Let the muffins rest in the tin for about five minutes to firm up a bit, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack so they can cool completely. This prevents sogginess on the bottom and keeps that crumb light.

Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mix

While the muffins cool, combine your 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This cinnamon-sugar will give your muffins their signature donut-like coating.

Step 10: Coat Muffins

Roll the slightly warm muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated all over. This final touch is what transforms these pumpkin muffins into a nostalgic, delicious treat you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

Even though these muffins are delightful on their own, you can up your presentation game by sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving. A small dollop of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple glaze complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully for entertaining.

Side Dishes

Pair your Donut Pumpkin Muffins with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or hot apple cider. For a hearty breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet and spicy profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for an inviting fall-themed display. Alternatively, slice a muffin in half and spread with softened butter or honey for an extra special treat during brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Donut Pumpkin Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help retain their soft texture and prevent the cinnamon-sugar coating from getting soggy.

Freezing

To enjoy the warmth anytime, you can freeze these muffins by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently to regain that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

For reheating, pop a muffin into the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through. This brings back their soft, comforting texture and revives the sugary coating perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, just make sure it’s smooth and has the same consistency as canned pumpkin puree for the best results in your muffins.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Yes, but using whole wheat flour might make your muffins a bit denser. To keep them light, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Is it okay to skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?

While it’s the signature touch that makes these pumpkin muffins reminiscent of donuts, you can absolutely skip rolling them in cinnamon sugar if you prefer a simpler muffin.

How long do these Donut Pumpkin Muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature and can be frozen for up to two months.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based spread and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. The muffins will still be delicious and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Donut Pumpkin Muffins Recipe — they bring together the nostalgic joy of a donut with the comforting warmth of pumpkin spice in a way that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. Once you make them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your fall baking repertoire. So, don’t wait! Grab your ingredients and enjoy making a batch of these delightful muffins that everyone will love.

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