Name: Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (180ml) pure pumpkin puree; ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ¼ cup (60ml) sunflower oil or other neutral liquid oil; ½ teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups (180g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk; ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, bite-sized treat that perfectly marries warm spices with the comforting sweetness of pumpkin, look no further than this Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe. These adorable little muffins are bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating that gives every bite a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving these at a brunch, a weekend gathering, or just enjoying a cozy moment with your favorite cup of coffee, they deliver the perfect blend of moistness and spice, making them a fast favorite for fall all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a clear glass measuring cup arranged on a wooden table, each holding different baking ingredients. There is one large bowl full of white flour at the top center, a bowl with orange pumpkin puree to the right, and a bowl with brown sugar beside it. Below them, smaller bowls contain yellow butter chunks, a mixture of white powdered ingredients with brown spices, and a grainy brown powder. A clear glass measuring cup filled with a pale yellow liquid sits on the left, near a single white egg positioned in the center. There is also a small brown bottle, likely vanilla extract, next to a bowl with white milk at the bottom left. The surface is a wooden table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving those mouthwatering Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe magic moments. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy pumpkin puree that keeps the muffins tender, to the warm pumpkin pie spice that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

¾ cup pure pumpkin puree: Adds moistness and that unmistakable fall flavor that’s the star of this recipe.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings deep caramel sweetness and helps keep the muffins soft.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the perfect tender crumb.
¼ cup sunflower oil: Keeps the muffins moist without overpowering the pumpkin flavor; neutral oils work best here.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture light.
¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Delivers that quintessential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
¾ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise fluffy and light.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acid in pumpkin for tenderness and rise.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and spice flavors.
¼ cup whole milk: Adds richness and softens the batter.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: For the topping, mixed with cinnamon to create that iconic donut sugar coating.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled into the sugar coating for extra warmth and crunch.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Used to brush the muffins before rolling in cinnamon sugar, giving a luscious finish.

How to Make Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the perfect baking temperature so your muffins rise beautifully. Lightly spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick spray or grease it with soft butter, which helps the muffins release effortlessly and keeps their little shapes intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the flavorful base of your muffins and evenly disperses the leavening agents to guarantee an even rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings the rich moisture and sweetness that make these muffins so irresistible.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently stir until the dry ingredients start to absorb the wet ones—don’t worry if the batter looks lumpy. Then add the milk and fold until the batter is evenly combined. Remember, over-mixing can toughen muffins, so keep it light and gentle. The batter will be thick but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Portion the Batter and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, fill each muffin cup generously, aiming to fill them all the way. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Right out of the oven, transfer your pan to a wire rack and let the muffins cool nearly completely—about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While cooling, mix your cinnamon sugar by blending granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Lightly brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll it around in the cinnamon sugar until it’s beautifully and evenly coated. This finishing touch is what transforms these muffins into those perfect mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut delights.

How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe

A white oval dish lined with light brown parchment paper holds a pile of round, golden-brown doughnut balls covered in a sugar and cinnamon coating. To the top left, an open brown bowl contains a single doughnut ball partly dipped in sugar and cinnamon with a cinnamon stick next to it. A glass jar with two cinnamon sticks inside stands close to the top middle of the frame on a white marbled surface. There are several cinnamon sticks scattered around the bottom corners. On the right side, two doughnut balls are broken open, showing a soft, orange interior with crumbs spread nearby. The background includes a soft, beige cloth in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. You can also add a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate their appearance and add sweetness without overwhelming the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

These mini delights pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, a creamy latte, or even a robust cup of black coffee. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of yogurt topped with nuts and honey to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these muffins in a rustic wooden basket lined with a colorful autumn-themed cloth, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for visual appeal at a brunch or party. Wrapping each muffin in a little parchment paper or placing them in mini cupcake liners adds charm and makes sharing easier and mess-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe fresh by storing leftovers at room temperature in a loosely covered container or baking tin for up to one day. The loose cover lets air circulate, preventing the cinnamon sugar coating from turning soggy while keeping the muffins moist.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these little treats later, freeze them uncovered on a tray first until hard, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature—this method helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Reheating

For a just-baked taste, reheat the muffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This method revives the cinnamon sugar crunch and keeps the inside tender, unlike microwaving which might soften the coating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pure pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most convenient option. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily make your own blend using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This gives you full control of the spice level and flavor profile in your Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe.

Can these muffins be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Keep an eye on the batter texture since gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.

Is sunflower oil essential or can I use other oils?

Sunflower oil is recommended because it’s neutral in flavor, letting the pumpkin and spice shine. However, other mild oils like canola or vegetable oil will work great too. Just avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating crunchy?

Brushing the muffins with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar helps the sugar stick and stay crisp. Also, store the muffins loosely covered at room temperature and avoid refrigeration when possible, as moisture can dissolve the coating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly charming about these Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe that makes you want to bake them over and over again. Their tender, spiced pumpkin goodness combined with that perfectly crunchy cinnamon sugar coating is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a little self-indulgence, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring a warm and inviting touch to any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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