If autumn had a flavor, it would taste just like these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cozy spices, these muffins combine the comforting taste of pumpkin with the swirl and sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a seasonal dessert, they’re the ideal blend of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia.
Made with real pumpkin puree, fragrant cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla glaze, these muffins fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that feels like a hug from fall itself.
Ingredients
Makes 12 muffins
Muffin Batter:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (115g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Vanilla Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 20–22 minutes
- Cooling and glazing: 10 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined — do not overmix to keep the muffins soft.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the swirl mixture.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, add a small spoonful of the cinnamon mixture, then top with more batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled muffins before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
- Pair with a pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider for the perfect fall treat.
- Serve at brunches, bake sales, or as a cozy dessert for family gatherings.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 34 grams |
| Sugars | 18 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 150 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Pumpkin puree provides fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin A for eye and immune health.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg offer antioxidants and warmth without adding calories.
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.
Tips for Best Results
- Use pure pumpkin puree for natural flavor and moisture — not canned pumpkin pie mix.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese to the center before baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Healthier Option: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Mini Muffins: Bake for 12–14 minutes for bite-sized treats perfect for snacking.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the best of two comfort food classics — the rich, spiced aroma of pumpkin and the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. They’re fluffy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed, making them the ultimate fall indulgence.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast or a special weekend treat, these muffins bring the warmth of autumn straight to your table — one delicious bite at a time.