Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
These Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced for a cozy treat. Made with wholesome whole wheat or all-purpose flour and real pumpkin puree, these bite-sized muffins are coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting muffin with autumnal flavors.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour, or mix of both
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (170g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (any kind)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the muffins.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt evenly. This distributes all the leavening and spices uniformly throughout your muffins.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk, then whisk again until smooth and fully integrated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix as the batter should remain thick for tender muffins.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Using a small spoon, fill each muffin cavity about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Bake Muffins: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the muffins spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool Muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin pan for 10 minutes before removing them.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together thoroughly.
- Coat Muffins: Lightly dunk each warm muffin into the melted butter then immediately coat it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place muffins upright on a cooling rack to set.
- Serving and Storage: These muffins are best enjoyed the same day. Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve the coating texture.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- To avoid overmixing, combine ingredients just until moist; a thick batter is expected.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- Muffins can be frozen after baking and coating; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Ensure the muffins are still warm when coating to help the butter and sugar mixture adhere properly.
Keywords: pumpkin muffins, mini muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, fall recipes, pumpkin spice muffins, baked muffins, easy pumpkin dessert