As Halloween approaches, the crisp air and fall colors call for a cozy treat that’s easy to whip up, full of fall flavor, and perfect for spooky celebrations. Enter: Pumpkin Spice Muffins! These moist, fluffy muffins are packed with warm spices, real pumpkin, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re a perfect snack for Halloween parties or a delightful autumn breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
Let’s dive into how you can make these festive pumpkin muffins with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
Why Pumpkin Spice Muffins?
Pumpkin spice has become a staple of autumn, loved for its comforting mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices not only pair beautifully with pumpkin but also fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma as they bake. The best part? These muffins don’t need any frosting or fancy toppings—they’re delicious all on their own and easy to enjoy on the go!
Easy, One-Bowl Prep
This recipe is as simple as it gets. With just two bowls—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry—you’ll be ready to bake in no time. Once the batter is mixed, simply scoop it into a muffin tin and let the oven do its magic. No fuss, no mess, and in just 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious pumpkin spice muffins ready to enjoy.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice (or use cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you like to mix it up)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This will make removing the muffins easy and keep them moist.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix it All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Enjoy!
These muffins are best enjoyed warm, and they pair perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider. The subtle sweetness and warm spices make them a hit with both kids and adults!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
- Use Pure Pumpkin: Opt for canned pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, as the latter has added spices and sugar that may alter the flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until the ingredients are just combined. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
- Add Mix-ins: For an extra indulgent twist, add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter before baking.
Serve and Share!
These pumpkin spice muffins are an ideal Halloween treat—easy to bake in batches and perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to friends. Plus, they’re an easy grab-and-go snack, so you can enjoy them while you’re out trick-or-treating or cozying up at home.
Make sure to tag us on social media if you try this recipe, and share your spooky creations with friends and family. Happy Halloween and happy baking! 🎃