Name: Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 2 large eggs; 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade); ½ cup milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 21 reviews

If autumn has a flavor, it’s baked right into these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy)! With their pillowy-soft crumb, cozy spices, and sparkling cinnamon sugar tops, these muffins are like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Each bite bursts with pumpkin goodness, delicate sweetness, and just the right amount of spice, making them irresistible paired with a cup of coffee or as a sweet mid-day pick-me-up. Whether you bake a fresh batch to share or stash some in the freezer for busy days, these muffins guarantee fall flavor any time you crave it.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple never tasted so wonderful! Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to compliment the pumpkin, add irresistible texture, or lay the foundation for that signature, moist, and tender crumb.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the muffins, providing the perfect structure while still keeping things light and fluffy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps the muffins bake up golden; don’t forget the extra for that magical crunchy topping.
Baking powder: The secret to beautifully domed, airy muffins that rise just right.
Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the other flavors—you’ll notice if it’s missing!
Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and depth—there’s plenty in the batter and even more dusted over the top.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that plays perfectly with pumpkin.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and complements the sweetness of the muffins.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to create that unmistakable autumn aroma and flavor.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the muffins, making them extra tender.
Pumpkin puree (canned or homemade): The star of the show! This adds rich flavor, gorgeous color, and unmatched moisture.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and the crumb soft; any type you like works here.
Vegetable oil: Guarantees moist muffins every time—no dryness here!
Granulated sugar (for topping): Adds irresistible sparkle and sweet crunch to every muffin top.
Ground cinnamon (for topping): Turns the muffins into cinnamon sugar dreams with just a quick sprinkle.
Melted butter (optional, for topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick for the ultimate bakery-style finish and a hint of extra richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Kick things off by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it plenty of time to reach just the right temperature for light, even baking. While it warms up, line your muffin tin with paper liners or simply grease each cup well. Prepping your pan now means less mess later—and muffins that pop out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It might seem like a lot of spice, but trust me, this blend transforms your muffins into cozy, aromatic wonders. Making sure these ingredients are well combined ensures you won’t end up with any pockets of flour or uneven flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, add your pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Whisk until everything is silky-smooth and the color turns a dreamy, deep orange. This step is where the magic starts—the pumpkin adds unbeatable moisture and those eggs help create that signature fluffy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients right into the bowl with the dry. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together just until there are no big streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are fine and will keep your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) extra tender. Overworking the batter can result in dense muffins, so resist the urge!

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This ensures they rise beautifully without overflowing. If you want those iconic bakery-style muffin tops, don’t be afraid to mound the batter a touch higher in the center.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The house will fill with the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin as they rise. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging. Don’t overbake—moisture is key for that fluffy crumb!

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops lightly with melted butter (if using), then generously sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This gives your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) their signature crunch and inviting sparkle, making them almost too pretty to eat—almost!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy)

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) Recipe

Garnishes

These muffins are delicious straight from the pan, but if you want to fancy things up, add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple glaze, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. For an extra-festive touch, a few toasted pecans or pepitas sprinkled on top make the presentation gorgeous—and add a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness and spice of Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) by serving them alongside a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, fresh-cut fruit, or a hearty scramble of eggs. A cozy latte or spiced chai tea is the ultimate partner for your morning muffin moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the muffins on a rustic wooden board for a fall brunch spread, packed in a basket for a picnic, or stacked in a tall glass cake stand at holiday gatherings. Individually wrapping them in parchment and ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift, or slice them in half and spread with cream cheese for an extra-special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The great news is that Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) stay deliciously moist at room temperature for up to 3 days. Pop them into an airtight container once cooled completely. To keep that cinnamon sugar topping crisp, make sure the muffins are fully cool before storing.

Freezing

These muffins are freezer champs! Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. The cinnamon sugar topping might soften a bit when thawing, but a quick pass under the broiler will perk it right up.

Reheating

To bring frozen muffins back to life, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. If you want that freshly-baked crunch, give the tops a quick sprinkle of extra cinnamon-sugar and a minute or two under the broiler.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well drained so your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) aren’t too wet—excess moisture can make them dense.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use up to half whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier muffin. Go slowly though, as all whole wheat can make them heavier and less fluffy. Start with a 50/50 mix to keep the muffins tender but a little more wholesome.

Are these muffins dairy-free?

With a simple swap, you can make them dairy-free! Use your favorite non-dairy milk and skip the butter on top, or brush with melted coconut oil instead. The Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) will still come out moist and delicious.

What else can I add to the muffins?

The possibilities are endless! Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or raisins to mix up the flavors and textures. For a little crunch, top each muffin with pepitas before baking along with the cinnamon sugar right after.

How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the liners?

Let the muffins cool for at least 10-15 minutes before peeling off the paper liners. Using parchment paper liners or lightly greasing regular liners also helps. If any do stick, just encourage everyone to lick the crumbs—there’s no shame in savoring every last bite of Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy)!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy) to bring the cozy, spicy, and sweet vibes of autumn right to your kitchen. Every bite is a celebration of the season—and it’s so easy to whip up a batch! Give these muffins a try, share them with family and friends, or tuck a few away for solo treats. You’ll be glad you did!