Muffins with pumpkin and spices

Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a seasonal favorite that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. These muffins are perfect for fall but can be enjoyed year-round. Here’s a recipe for delicious and aromatic pumpkin spice muffins:

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping (optional):

  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if using.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

    • In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, canned pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
  5. Prepare and Add Streusel Topping (Optional):

    • In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Sprinkle the streusel topping over the muffin batter before baking.
  6. Fill Muffin Tin:

    • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
  8. Cool:

    • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

  • Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
  • Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can also add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for additional flavor.
  • Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall, and they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy these muffins fresh or warmed for a cozy treat!