Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins – Easy, Quick & Amazing Recipe

Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins are like a warm hug on a crisp fall morning. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dancing in every bite, these muffins are the perfect way to sneak autumn flavors into breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. The pumpkin puree keeps them tender and moist, while a splash of orange juice adds just the right citrus brightness. Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prepping for a busy week, or just craving something cozy, these spiced baked pumpkin muffins are a go-to recipe you’ll want on repeat.

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What are Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins?

Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins are soft, fluffy baked treats that combine the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Think of them as the muffin version of a pumpkin spice latte, but without the caffeine jitters. They’re baked in standard muffin tins, making them portable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for quick breakfasts. With their rich flavor and comforting aroma, these muffins bring the essence of fall straight into your kitchen.

Reasons to Try Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

First, they’re fast—less than an hour from start to finish, which is a win for any busy schedule. Second, they’re versatile: you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a cream cheese swirl if you’re feeling fancy. Third, they’re family-friendly. Even picky eaters who side-eye pumpkin pie might grab a muffin and go. And finally, these spiced baked pumpkin muffins pair beautifully with your morning coffee, making them the kind of treat that can turn a chaotic weekday into something a little more peaceful.

Ingredients Needed to Make Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

When it comes to baking these spiced baked pumpkin muffins, the magic really happens with a blend of pantry staples and warm spices that transform into a bakery-worthy treat. Each ingredient plays an important role in giving the muffins their signature flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma. Think of this section as your roadmap—if you follow it, you’ll end up with soft, moist muffins that are anything but ordinary.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The base of the muffins. Regular flour provides just the right structure without making them too dense. If you’re curious about pumpkin breads that use a similar base, check out my spiced pumpkin bread with streusel.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the tops of the muffins get that light golden color.
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Provides moisture and a slight caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors of the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that gives the muffins their signature warmth.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a slightly nutty, earthy flavor that rounds out the spice blend.
• Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle zing that cuts through the sweetness.
• Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch is enough to give the muffins that cozy “holiday” feel.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 ounces): The key ingredient. It not only delivers that fall flavor but also keeps the muffins incredibly moist. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Adds fat and keeps the muffins soft. You can swap with melted butter if you want a richer flavor.
• Orange juice (¼ cup): A little unexpected, but it brightens the muffins and balances the earthy pumpkin flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and ties the spices together.

Optional but highly recommended add-ins:

• Chopped nuts (½ cup): Pecans or walnuts add crunch.
• Chocolate chips (½ cup): If you want that gooey chocolate surprise in every bite, similar to these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

When combined, these ingredients create muffins that are moist, perfectly spiced, and full of cozy fall flavors. The pumpkin puree especially ensures that each bite is tender and flavorful without being heavy.

Instructions to Make Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

Baking these spiced baked pumpkin muffins is as simple as mixing, scooping, and waiting for your kitchen to smell like a pumpkin spice candle factory. But let’s break it down into clear, step-by-step directions so you can follow along without a hitch. This recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with nonstick spray. This little step makes cleanup much easier and ensures the muffins come out perfectly shaped. If you want extra insurance against sticking, lightly spritz your paper liners too. Think of this as setting the stage for your pumpkin muffins’ big debut.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so you won’t get one muffin bursting with cinnamon and another tasting plain. The aroma at this stage already gives you that cozy fall feeling—like the start of baking pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another medium-sized bowl, crack in your two large eggs and whisk until they’re slightly frothy. This helps create a lighter texture in the final muffins. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Together, these ingredients add moisture, richness, and that subtle citrus note that makes the muffins feel extra special.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now comes the fun part: combining everything. Slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon, and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to dense muffins instead of soft, fluffy ones. A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll bake out in the oven. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also the step to fold in extras like ½ cup of chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise into those picture-perfect domes. For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking—it gives the muffins a sweet, crackly crust similar to the topping on these iced pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter). Keep in mind that oven times can vary, so start checking around the 18-minute mark. While baking, your kitchen will smell like pure fall bliss—think pumpkin spice latte, but in muffin form.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest makes them easier to handle and prevents them from becoming soggy. After cooling, they’re ready to enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Step 8: Store or Freeze for Later

If you don’t plan to devour them all right away (no judgment if you do), place leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a few days on the counter or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped—perfect for busy mornings when you just want to grab-and-go.

What to Serve with Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins shine on their own but also pair well with fall favorites. Try them with a smear of cream cheese or a pat of warm butter. Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a cozy brunch, or enjoy with a steaming mug of chai tea or coffee. For a sweet spread, consider a dollop of apple butter or honey. If you’re hosting, add them to a breakfast board with fruit, yogurt, and granola for a picture-worthy display.

Key Tips for Making Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

1. Don’t overmix the batter; that’s the fastest way to end up with dense muffins.
2. Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling—it has added sugars and spices that will throw off the balance.
3. Add chocolate chips or pecans if you want extra texture and flavor.
4. To test doneness, use the toothpick trick; if it comes out clean, you’re golden.
5. For bakery-style domes, bake at 375°F for the first 5 minutes, then lower to 350°F for the remaining time.

Storage and Reheating Tips Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, add a pat of butter after reheating and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely—just roast and puree until smooth, and measure the same amount.

How do I keep muffins from sticking to the liners?
Spray the liners lightly with nonstick spray before filling.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in separate batches to keep the muffins evenly cooked.

What’s the best topping?
Try a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle before baking for a sweet crunch.

Final Thoughts

Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins aren’t just a fall treat; they’re comfort food in muffin form. Whether you make them for a cozy Sunday morning or as grab-and-go breakfasts for the week, they deliver big flavor with little effort. If you’re looking to keep the pumpkin theme going, check out my spiced pumpkin bread with streusel or try these decadent pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for another seasonal win.

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