Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins – A Cozy Fall Favorite

There’s something about the arrival of autumn that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home again. When the crisp air turns cool and leaves crunch underfoot, we crave comfort foods filled with spice, warmth, and nostalgia. And nothing embodies that seasonal coziness better than Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. These moist, fluffy muffins combine the richness of pumpkin, the swirled sweetness of a cinnamon roll, and the irresistible drizzle of icing on top.

This recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a grab-and-go breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. In this guide, you’ll learn not only how to make these delightful muffins but also how to store, serve, and customize them for any occasion.

Why Pumpkin and Cinnamon Are the Perfect Pair

Pumpkin and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. Pumpkin’s natural earthiness and slight sweetness balance beautifully with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon. When baked into a muffin, the result is tender, moist, and comforting. Add in a swirl of cinnamon sugar filling, and you’ve essentially created the lovechild of a pumpkin muffin and a gooey cinnamon roll.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Muffin Batter:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Batter
   Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
5. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
   In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
6. Layer the Muffins
   Spoon half the batter into muffin cups. Add 1–2 teaspoons of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of each. Cover with remaining batter and swirl gently with a toothpick.
7. Bake the Muffins
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
9. Glaze and Serve
   Drizzle the glaze generously over cooled muffins. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Moist pumpkin muffins swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze – the perfect cozy fall treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Muffin Batter

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 eggs large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

• 0.33 cup brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Muffin tin
• Wire rack
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
5. Mix cinnamon swirl ingredients together in a small bowl.
6. Spoon half the batter into muffin cups, top with swirl mixture, then cover with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick.
7. Bake 18–22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over cooled muffins.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight for 3 days or frozen without glaze for up to 2 months.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Don’t skip the swirl: That cinnamon-sugar layer makes these muffins truly taste like cinnamon rolls.
• Use room temperature eggs: They blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring even texture.
• For a lighter muffin: Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Make ahead: Bake a batch and freeze them. Just warm in the microwave before serving and glaze fresh.

Variations You’ll Love

• Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese mixture in the center for extra decadence.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the swirl before baking.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, dessert-like muffin.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend 1:1.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins shine as part of a cozy weekend brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. They also make a beautiful holiday breakfast treat for Thanksgiving morning or Christmas brunch. Serve them slightly warm with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced cider.

Fun Fact: Pumpkin in Baking Traditions

Pumpkin has been a staple in American baking for centuries, especially in the fall. Its popularity rose in the 19th century when canned pumpkin became widely available, making seasonal recipes more accessible. Combining pumpkin with cinnamon roll flavors is a modern twist that bridges classic traditions with today’s love of mash-up desserts.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the ultimate seasonal treat, combining everything we love about fall baking—warm spices, pumpkin goodness, and gooey cinnamon swirl. Whether you enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee, these muffins will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with autumn joy. Bake a batch today, and watch them disappear in no time!