Pumpkin season means warm spices, cozy treats, and yes, these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins. They are the perfect balance of fluffy, moist, and warmly spiced. From the moment they hit the oven, your kitchen transforms into a bakery with the irresistible scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin.
These muffins are ideal for autumn mornings, but honestly, they work year-round for anyone who craves that rich, spiced pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re packing lunches, prepping for brunch, or just want something sweet with your coffee, these muffins deliver every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
These muffins are super soft, thanks to the pumpkin puree, and each bite bursts with comforting fall spices. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, giving them a bakery-style finish. Plus, they’re quick to make and freezer-friendly, making them a smart go-to for busy schedules.
Can I Use Canned or Fresh Pumpkin Puree?
Either works well in this recipe. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent in texture. If you prefer homemade puree, just make sure it’s thick and not watery—excess moisture can make the muffins soggy. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
This muffin batter comes together with pantry staples and just the right mix of spice to let the pumpkin shine. The cinnamon sugar topping gives it that sweet, crackly finish you’ll love.
Pumpkin Puree adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue. Make sure it’s plain, not pumpkin pie mix.
Granulated Sugar sweetens the muffins and helps build structure.
Brown Sugar gives them a deeper caramel flavor and boosts moisture.
Vegetable Oil keeps the muffins tender and moist without needing butter.
Eggs provide structure and help the muffins rise.
All-Purpose Flour creates the base of the muffin with a soft crumb.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda for lift and fluffiness.
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens flavor.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Cloves are the heart of the spice profile.
Vanilla Extract adds warmth and enhances all the spices.
Milk helps bind everything while keeping the muffins tender.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping is made from more granulated sugar and ground cinnamon mixed together to finish each muffin with a sweet crunch.

How To Make the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray them with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins
Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 of the way full.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over each muffin top.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Storing and Serving Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they store wonderfully too. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap individually and thaw overnight.
This recipe yields about 12 regular-sized muffins, making it perfect for a family breakfast or a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins?
Hot Coffee or Latte
Nothing pairs better with these spiced muffins than a steaming cup of your favorite roast.
Vanilla Greek Yogurt
For a light, creamy contrast to the spiced muffin, a scoop of yogurt is perfect.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Bright, juicy fruits balance out the cozy richness of the muffin.
Maple Butter
Spread some on a warm muffin for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Chai or Spiced Tea
A spiced tea enhances the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors even more.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage
Make it a savory-sweet brunch plate with salty meats alongside.
Apple Compote
Apples and pumpkin are best friends. A spoonful of warm compote takes these over the top.
Want More Muffin Ideas With Seasonal Flair?
If you’re loving these fall-spiced treats, check out more delicious seasonal bakes on Mia Plates:
- Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins for a veggie-packed wholesome bite.
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re craving swirled cinnamon magic.
- Ooey Gooey Bars for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
- Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler if you’re into fruity, buttery goodness.
- Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a nostalgic, chewy treat.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go for extra cinnamon sugar? Maybe swapped in applesauce or added chocolate chips?
Leave a comment below and share your muffin moment.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy bakes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to seasonal favorites!

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with cozy fall spices. Made with real pumpkin puree and topped with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust, this easy muffin recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Great for fall baking and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle over the tops of the muffins.
7. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
This recipe makes 12 standard muffins.
Use canned or homemade thick pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously for extra crunch on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Muffins
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg


