Imagine the warmth of autumn enveloping your kitchen as the sweet scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fills the air—there’s nothing quite as comforting as a batch of Simply Pumpkin Muffins. These gems are tender, moist, and perfectly spiced, making them an instant favorite for breakfast, snacks, or cozy afternoon treats. The beauty of this recipe is its breezy simplicity; you need only pantry staples to create muffins that taste like they’ve spent hours baking in a neighborhood bakery. Whether you’re new to baking or an old pro, these Simply Pumpkin Muffins are your ticket to pumpkin perfection all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Simply Pumpkin Muffins comes from a handful of classic baking ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor and create an inviting, plush texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—every item plays a role in the irresistible aroma and heavenly crumb of these muffins!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the muffin, providing just the right balance of structure and softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those beautifully browned muffin tops.
- Packed brown sugar: Lends a rich, molasses-like depth that pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice.
- Baking soda: Keeps the muffins lofty and light, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives an extra rise for those perfectly domed muffin tops.
- Salt: An essential flavor booster—don’t skip it, as it brings out the best in the spices and pumpkin.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, delivering that signature pumpkin spice aroma and warmth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet and nutty note that’s classic in pumpkin desserts.
- Ground cloves: Just a hint of cloves goes a long way in deepening the muffin’s spiced flavor profile.
- Ground ginger: A little zing and heat for balance in every bite.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the batter and giving your muffins a custardy richness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The heart of Simply Pumpkin Muffins—go for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the muffins turn out wonderfully moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
- Milk: Loosens the batter just enough for a perfectly soft crumb (whole, 2%, or even non-dairy works here).
- Vanilla extract: Brings a round, sweet fragrance that ties the spices together beautifully.
How to Make Simply Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Begin your muffin journey by getting everything ready: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or a light coating of nonstick spray. These steps ensure an even bake and easy muffin removal—nothing fancy, just good baking practice!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Taking a moment to evenly combine these dry ingredients guarantees the spices are perfectly distributed, so no single bite is left unspiced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and unified. This blend provides the luscious, orange-hued base that makes Simply Pumpkin Muffins stand out.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry, and gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if you see a few streaks of flour—overmixing can make muffins dense, so stop as soon as no dry spots remain. This is the moment when aroma will start making you hungry!
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Using a spoon or scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, until the tops are nicely domed and a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Simply Pumpkin Muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist eating one while still warm! This final step helps set their soft crumb and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.
How to Serve Simply Pumpkin Muffins
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, dust your muffins lightly with powdered sugar, or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet, crackly top. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips also make fabulous additions, adding crunch or a melty drizzle of chocolate.
Side Dishes
Pairing Simply Pumpkin Muffins with a warm mug of chai, black coffee, or an autumnal tea elevates any breakfast or snack spread. Fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a pat of whipped butter on the side can make your morning feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these muffins into dessert by slicing them in half and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or, for a brunch party, arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful napkin—watch them disappear in record time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Simply Pumpkin Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect for a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and taste just as lovely after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a muffin in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for a minute to reignite that fresh-from-the-oven magic. For an extra treat, slice and toast with a dab of butter.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree in Simply Pumpkin Muffins?
Absolutely! Just be sure your homemade puree is well-drained and not too watery. The richer the pumpkin flavor, the better your muffins will taste.
Can I make Simply Pumpkin Muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The muffins may be slightly more delicate, but the flavor stays just as delicious.
What can I add to customize these muffins?
Feel free to fold in up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries. These little extras make them even more personal—and irresistible!
Can I use muffin papers or just grease the pan?
Both work well. Papers make cleanup a breeze and muffins look classic, but a well-greased pan will do the job if you’re out of liners. Just be sure to cool them a couple minutes before removing.
How do I make mini Simply Pumpkin Muffins?
Spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake for about 12–14 minutes. You’ll have adorable, bite-sized treats that are wonderful for sharing or snacking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the coziest, most crowd-pleasing treat for any time of year, these Simply Pumpkin Muffins truly deliver. Give them a try—you’ll savor every golden, gently spiced bite and maybe even start a new baking tradition of your own!
Print
Simply Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simply Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for fall mornings or anytime you crave a cozy, spiced snack. Moist and flavorful, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs and mix in pumpkin, oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Fill muffin cups and bake for 20–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let muffins cool before serving.
Notes
- You can add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- These muffins freeze well for up to 2 months.
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