There’s nothing like the cozy, comforting taste of pumpkin-flavored treats, and these donut pumpkin muffins are the perfect fall indulgence! They combine the spiced goodness of pumpkin with the soft texture of a muffin and the irresistible sweetness of a cinnamon sugar coating, making them the perfect addition to your breakfast or afternoon snack. Whether you’re craving something warm and comforting to enjoy with a cup of coffee or want to surprise your family with a special treat, these muffin-donuts will be a crowd favorite. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort, yet they come out looking and tasting like something you’d find in a bakery.

These pumpkin muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and a little extra crunch, making them even more irresistible. So if you’re looking for a simple recipe that brings all the flavors of fall together in one perfect bite, look no further. These donut pumpkin muffins will quickly become a fall favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fall Flavor Perfection

With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these muffins are a perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season.

2. Moist and Fluffy

The pumpkin puree gives these muffins an incredibly moist and fluffy texture, making every bite soft and satisfying.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these donut pumpkin muffins are quick to prepare, even for beginner bakers.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating on top gives these muffins an extra layer of sweetness and a bit of crunch, taking them to the next level.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these muffins are perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves (pinch)
Baking soda
Salt
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (packed)
Large eggs (room temperature)
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Butter (melted)

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the muffin batter.
Make them Vegan: Swap the eggs with flax eggs and the vegetable oil with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or applesauce.
Use Maple Syrup: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use maple syrup in the muffin batter for a deeper, natural sweetness and an extra layer of flavor.
Spiced Streusel Topping: Add a crumble of streusel on top of the muffins before baking for a deliciously crunchy topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin with a little oil or butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be lightly golden and puffed up.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. In another small bowl, melt the butter.

Step 8: Coat the Muffins

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience, or store them for later!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can cause the muffins to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness: Always test the muffins with a toothpick before removing them from the oven. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Let Them Cool: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before coating them in the cinnamon sugar so the butter doesn’t soak in too much and make the coating soggy.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.

How to Serve

These donut pumpkin muffins are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even at a fall gathering or brunch. They also make an excellent gift when wrapped up in a cute package!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the muffins to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the muffins in the oven or microwave just before serving. This will bring back the softness and warmth that makes them so delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor of the muffins.

2. Can I make these muffins without the cinnamon sugar coating?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can skip the coating or dust the muffins lightly with powdered sugar after they’ve cooled.

3. Can I add nuts to the muffins?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter will give the muffins a nice crunch and extra flavor.

4. How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

5. Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.

6. Can I freeze the batter?

Yes, you can freeze the muffin batter for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

7. How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. They should also be lightly golden brown on top.

8. Can I use a different sugar for the coating?

Yes, you can experiment with other sugars, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar, for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I make these muffins without oil?

You can replace the oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version of these muffins.

10. How long will the muffins stay fresh?

These muffins are best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These donut pumpkin muffins are the perfect treat for the fall season, offering the warmth of pumpkin and spices in a fluffy, moist muffin. The cinnamon sugar coating adds the finishing touch, making them even more irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or enjoying them as a cozy breakfast, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your household. With their easy preparation and comforting flavors, they’re sure to be a hit every time!