Craving a warm, gooey slice of heaven? Look no further! These pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are the answer to your autumnal dessert dreams. Imagine the spiced comfort of pumpkin pie blended seamlessly with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls, all baked into perfectly portioned muffins. This recipe brings the bakery experience right to your kitchen, offering a simple yet decadent treat that’s bound to impress.
What are Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Have you ever pondered the mystery of the “Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffin”? Is it a muffin that secretly dreams of being a cinnamon roll? Or perhaps a cinnamon roll in disguise, cleverly molded into a muffin’s form? We may never know the complete truth. One theory suggests that a baker, torn between his love for pumpkin spice and cinnamon swirls, had a “Eureka!” moment (or perhaps just a really strong cup of coffee).
This could have also be true because we all know ‘the way of a man’s heart is through his heart’. Regardless of whether we know this truth, the end result is a glorious union of flavors. But don’t just sit there wondering – roll up your sleeves and try this amazing recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These muffins are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a triple threat of delight! First and foremost, they pack a punch of fall flavor. The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sweet cinnamon makes every bite a cozy experience. Second, making them at home can save you a ton of money compared to buying similar muffins from a bakery.
Enjoy gourmet taste without the premium price tag! Finally, the irresistible cream cheese frosting takes it over the top. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the spiced muffin, making each bite a balanced explosion of flavor. If you love a classic baked bread recipe, you should try our Homemade Banana Bread But for something a bit more indulgent, these pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are the perfect way to treat yourself. Don’t delay – try it today!
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting. This forms the structure of the dough and muffins.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, plus 1/4 cup for the cinnamon filling. Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed. Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Leavens the muffins, making them light and airy.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Works with the baking powder for a better rise and texture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. These spices create that signature warm, spiced flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup. Adds moisture, flavor, and that signature pumpkin taste. Make sure it is not pumpkin pie filling!
- Milk: 1 cup. Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture and richness to the muffins.
- Egg: 1 large. Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Butter: 1/4 cup, melted, for the cinnamon filling. Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. Provides the tangy base for the frosting.
- Butter: 1/4 cup, softened. Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups. Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons. Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
This dish brings the spirit of fall straight to your kitchen with ease and flavor in every bite. The preparation time is around 30 minutes, the pumpkin goodness takes just 20 minutes in the oven for one dozen, creating comforting breakfast or dessert. The swirl of cinnamon, a creamy frosting, and a moist pumpkin enhanced texture creates deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease generously.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Make sure there are no lumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This will be the swirl inside the muffins.
Assemble the muffins: Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter. Then, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon filling into the center of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the filling into the batter.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the muffins are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost: Once the muffins are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Enjoy: Indulge in your home made pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins.
What to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins With
These warm, spiced muffins are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and complementary dishes:
- Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The warmth of the coffee or tea enhances the comforting flavors of the muffins. Try a spicy chai latte or a smooth, dark roast coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra decadent dessert, top a warm muffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced muffin.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or sliced apples can add a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the muffins.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness that complements the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors.
- Warm Milk: For an extra cozy treat, serve the muffins with a glass of warm milk. The milk soaks into the muffin, making it even more delicious.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Want to elevate your pumpkin cinnamon roll muffin game? Here are some surefire tips to ensure baking success:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter for the frosting, ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry muffins. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to your liking.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling.
- Substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have all the individual spices on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help them stay moist.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Room Temperature: Allow muffins to come to room temperature before enjoying.
- Oven: To warm muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave a muffin for 15-30 seconds, or until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- Reheating Cream Cheese Frosting: If frozen, let it come to room temperature, it can also be whipped to a smoother consistency
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are a treat to add to your baking list! They combine the comfort and flavor into a bite-sized muffin that will surely satisfy everyone. Perfect for autumn, celebrations or a warm breakfast, these muffins can be stored, reheated and ready when you need it. So, get ready and try this recipe!
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will alter the recipe. Make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree.
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Q: Can I make the muffins ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the muffins a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Frost them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I add a glaze instead of frosting?
A: Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of vanilla extract and milk would be delicious. Drizzle it over the muffins once they’ve cooled.
Q: My muffins came out flat. What did I do wrong?
A: This could be due to several factors. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they can lose potency over time. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest