Simple Pumpkin Muffins

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the house, especially when they are Simple Pumpkin Muffins. I remember one chilly autumn afternoon, I decided to whip up a batch to celebrate the changing leaves and the onset of fall. The warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and a delightful vanilla glaze envelop your senses like a cozy blanket. As I mixed the ingredients, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, instantly putting me in the mood for the season. These muffins are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug in a wrapper, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re snuggled up at home or entertaining guests, these muffins will surely impress. Let’s dive into making these delicious bites!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Simple Pumpkin Muffins

When making Simple Pumpkin Muffins, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and sugars creates a wonderfully moist muffin that is bursting with flavor. Let’s explore the key players in this delicious recipe!

• Granulated Sugar: This is used to sweeten your muffins, balancing out the flavors of the pumpkin and spices.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Light Brown Sugar: This brings a rich, caramel-like flavor to the muffins.
• Orange Zest: Just a touch brightens the flavors and adds a subtle citrus note.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your muffins, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: This is essential for helping your muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
• Baking Soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder to ensure a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of spices that creates the quintessential fall flavor.
• Whole Milk: Keeps your muffins moist and tender.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and essential pumpkin flavor.
• Orange Juice: Adds liquid and a hint of citrus.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Used for the glaze to add sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the glaze creamy and smooth.
• Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor to both the muffins and the glaze.

How to Make Simple Pumpkin Muffins

Making Simple Pumpkin Muffins is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Here’s how you can create these tasty treats step-by-step.

1. In a small dish, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon; mix well and set aside until needed. This will create a lovely topping for your muffins.

2. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 375 degrees (F). As it heats up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray them with non-stick spray to ensure your muffins come out easily.

3. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the orange zest into the sugars until well combined and fragrant. The zest will release its oils, enhancing the overall flavor.

4. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into the bowl and mix well to combine. This dry mixture will be the base for your muffins.

5. In another bowl, combine whole milk, pumpkin puree, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely smooth and combined.

6. Gently fold the liquid mixture into the dry mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep them fluffy!

7. Fold in the melted unsalted butter, stirring just until the butter is incorporated. The melted butter adds richness and helps keep the muffins moist.

8. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tins, filling each tin three-quarters of the way full. This ensures they have enough room to rise without overflowing.

9. Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each muffin. This will create a sweet, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the moist muffin.

10. Bake in the preheated oven until the muffins are set in the center and golden brown, which should take about 20 to 22 minutes. You can use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean.

11. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short cooling time helps them set and makes them easier to glaze.

12. To prepare the glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar with heavy cream or whole milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm muffins before serving. Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience and enjoy your Simple Pumpkin Muffins to the fullest:

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins! Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Pairing: These muffins are perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with whipped cream cheese.
• Variations: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with the wet ingredients later for a quick bake.

Pairing Suggestions for Simple Pumpkin Muffins

Serving Simple Pumpkin Muffins can be a delightful experience! Here are some ideas to elevate your muffin game:

• Breakfast Option: Enjoy these muffins fresh from the oven with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for a perfect breakfast.
• Lunch Companion: Pair with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting lunch on a chilly day.
• Snack Time: These muffins make a great afternoon snack, especially when served alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Holiday Treat: Serve at Thanksgiving or fall gatherings as a sweet treat to complement savory dishes.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for a few days.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy these muffins during fall festivities, as they embody the flavors of the season beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Simple Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful combination of flavors that truly capture the essence of fall. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. You’ll find that they are not just muffins but a heartfelt experience of warmth and joy. Happy baking!

Simple Pumpkin Muffins

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Simple Pumpkin Muffins. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices, they are the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these muffins are irresistible. Bake a batch today and savor the flavors of autumn!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest usually the zest of one large orange
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour not packed
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 3/4 cup Whole Milk whole milk or full-fat will yield the best results
• 3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice fresh squeezed or store-bought will work
• 2 large Eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter 4 ounces, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons Heavy Cream or whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a small dish combine granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside until needed.
2. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position; preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners; spray lightly with non-stick spray; set aside.
3. Combine granulated sugar and orange zest in a large bowl; using your fingers rub the orange zest into the sugars until well combined and fragrant. Add all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into the bowl and mix well to combine.
4. In a medium-sized bowl combine whole milk, pumpkin puree, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk well until completely smooth and combined. Gently fold the liquid mixture into the dry mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula until just combined.
5. Fold in melted unsalted butter, stirring just until butter is incorporated.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins, filling each tin 3/4 of the way full. Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each muffin.
7. Bake until set in the center and golden brown; about 20-22 minutes.
8. Allow muffins to cool in the pan 5 minutes, then glaze and serve warm.

Notes

• Tip 1: Recipe should be followed exactly for best results.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.