Nothing says fall like the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin muffins fresh out of the oven. These muffins are the perfect combination of moist, spiced pumpkin cake and buttery, crumbly streusel topping. Finished with a luscious cinnamon maple drizzle, they’re the ultimate treat for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or an anytime indulgence. This recipe blends the nostalgic flavors of pumpkin pie spices with a modern twist that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing.
Ingredients Breakdown
Muffins
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The base structure for the muffins, providing stability while keeping them tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agent for that perfect rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground ginger: The heart of the pumpkin spice flavor profile.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar & ½ cup brown sugar: A combination of sugars adds sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar imparting a hint of caramel.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the batter and ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and rich.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, lending moisture, flavor, and a vibrant orange hue.
- ¼ cup milk: Loosens the batter for an even, smooth mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crumbly, buttery topping that contrasts the soft muffin texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar & ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping while maintaining a hint of richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Amplifies the cozy spice notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the buttery flavor of the streusel.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the topping ingredients and provides a golden finish.
Cinnamon Maple Drizzle
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency for an easy drizzle.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness with a hint of fall flavor.
- Pinch of ground cinnamon: Complements the spices in the muffins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Muffin Batter
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in intervals, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
2. Assemble the Muffins
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each just shy of the top.
3. Make the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter, gently pressing it down to adhere.
4. Bake
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Add the Cinnamon Maple Drizzle
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Drizzle over the fully cooled muffins for the perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for best results. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
- Spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup to prevent dense muffins.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this ensures light and fluffy muffins.
- Press the streusel topping lightly onto the batter to keep it from falling off after baking.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pumpkin muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve alongside whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday brunch spread.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping and Cinnamon Maple Drizzle are a surefire way to bring the cozy flavors of fall to your table. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress. With their moist, tender crumb, sweet-spicy aroma, and irresistibly crumbly topping, these muffins are a must-try.
Ready to bake your way to seasonal bliss? This recipe is your ticket to muffin perfection!