Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

If you adore the flavors of fall baked goods, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. These delightful treats combine the best parts of classic cinnamon rolls—the sweet, spiced swirl and soft texture—with the rich, moist goodness of pumpkin in every bite. Perfectly portioned as muffins, they’re easy to make, quick to bake, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that brings it all together. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon indulgence, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins deliver that warm, comforting flavor that feels like a gentle seasonal hug in every mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance of moistness, spice, and sweetness. From the rich pumpkin puree that adds moisture and depth, to the cinnamon and brown sugar swirl that creates that irresistible cinnamon roll vibe, every component is carefully chosen for taste and texture.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Adds moistness, a tender crumb, and that distinct autumn flavor we all crave.
• ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil): Offers richness and a soft, fluffy texture to the muffins.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for that perfect hint of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and gives structure for fluffy muffins.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm spices and pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that keeps these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins tender yet sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise perfectly and keep them light.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for ideal fluffiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warm, spicy note essential to the swirl and muffin.

For the cinnamon swirl:

• ¼ cup melted butter: Creates a rich base for the cinnamon swirl filling.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds molasses-like depth and caramel notes to the swirl.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Intensifies the warm, spiced flavor in the swirl.

For the cream cheese glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the glaze for a perfect drizzle.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aroma and enhances the glaze’s flavor.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to your preferred drizzling thickness.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or spritzing it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This wet base is the heart of your muffins, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give these a good whisk to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices so every bite has consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to tougher muffins. The goal is a tender, fluffy texture with a little bit of structure to hold that delightful cinnamon swirl.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create the magic swirl that makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins so special—melty, sweet, and wonderfully spiced.

Step 5: Assemble Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter. Then add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture right on top before topping with more batter until the muffin cups are about three-quarters full. Take a toothpick or skewer and swirl gently through the batter and cinnamon swirl to create a beautiful marbled effect without over-mixing.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Bake the muffins for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are a gorgeous golden color. While the muffins bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to prepare your glaze. Once the muffins cool just enough to handle, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops and let it set for a perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

Adding extra garnishes on your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins can elevate their visual appeal and flavor. Consider sprinkling a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the glaze right after drizzling. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that balances the soft muffin beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fantastic as-is but pair wonderfully with simple sides to round out your meal. Try serving them alongside a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to amplify those cozy spice notes. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter also makes for a decadent accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a festive gathering, arrange your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins on a tiered stand or rustic wooden board garnished with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins. You can even serve them with small ramekins of additional cinnamon sugar or cream cheese frosting for dipping. Encouraging guests to customize their muffins makes the experience interactive and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This protects their moist texture and keeps the glaze intact without becoming sticky.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them unfrosted in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before adding the cream cheese glaze for best results.

Reheating

Warm up your muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes. A brief reheat brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the cream cheese glaze slightly melty and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but you’ll need to cook and puree it first. Make sure to remove excess moisture by draining or roasting before adding it to the batter to maintain the right texture for the muffins.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based spread, and swap milk in the glaze for almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze if you want to keep that classic flavor while making them dairy-free.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips fold beautifully into the batter, adding delightful texture and flavor contrasts that complement the pumpkin and cinnamon swirl perfectly.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

To keep the cinnamon swirl evenly distributed, add it halfway through the filling process as described and swirl gently just a little. Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can cause the swirl to lose its place and sink.

What’s the best way to make the cream cheese glaze thicker?

Adjust the thickness by adding less milk gradually as you whisk. For a thicker glaze, start with one tablespoon and add more only if needed. You can also chill the glaze slightly to help it firm up before drizzling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins that makes mornings feel extra special and afternoons a little cozier. They’re easy to whip up but taste like you spent hours crafting them, bringing all the flavors of the season straight to your kitchen. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-swirled bite as much as I do. These muffins really become a fast favorite you’ll crave all fall long!

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