How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Muffins with Swirl Topping

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Muffins with Swirl Topping. These muffins are not only moist and delicious, but they also bring the cozy flavors of autumn right to your table. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, they are sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Perfectly moist and flavorful, thanks to the pumpkin puree.
• Irresistible cinnamon swirl that adds a delightful twist.
• Drizzled with a creamy cream cheese glaze for that extra touch of sweetness.
• Great for meal prep—enjoy them throughout the week!

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the cinnamon swirl:
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the cream cheese glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 Tbsp milk

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of pumpkin cinnamon muffins:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
5. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Top each with a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture, then add more batter on top. Use a toothpick to swirl lightly.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
8. While the muffins cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly cooled muffins.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly:

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor, or stick with canned for convenience.
• Don’t skip the cinnamon swirl—it’s what makes these muffins truly special!
• For a fun twist, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Let the muffins cool slightly before adding the cream cheese glaze for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve

These muffins are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience by:

• Pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serving them as part of a brunch spread alongside easy pasta recipes or other 30-minute meals.
• Enjoying them fresh out of the oven for a comforting breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

These muffins are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

So there you have it! My Pumpkin Cinnamon Muffins with Swirl Topping are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of autumn flavors that you can enjoy any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas or simply want to indulge in some irresistible desserts, these muffins are sure to please. Happy baking!