Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their soft, fluffy texture and the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The addition of a sweet cream cheese glaze elevates these muffins, making them irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these muffins will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy delicious muffins without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a cozy flavor profile that is perfect for fall.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these muffins warm for breakfast or as a sweet treat at your next gathering.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Kid-Friendly: These muffins are not only tasty but also fun to make with kids, making baking a family activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for swirling)
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and gives the muffins their shape.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth batter.
Ingredients
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the cozy flavors of fall—pumpkin, cinnamon, and a sweet cream cheese glaze—into soft, fluffy muffins that are easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
For the Muffins
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 Tbsp milk
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or spray it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
1. Pumpkin puree
2. Melted butter
3. Granulated sugar
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Ground cinnamon
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill muffin tins halfway with batter. Top each muffin with a spoonful of cinnamon swirl mixture, then add more batter on top. Use a toothpick to swirl lightly.
Step 7: Bake Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and tops are golden.
Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
While muffins cool, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Vanilla extract
3. (Milk)
Adjust milk amount for desired consistency, then drizzle over slightly cooled muffins.
Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins as part of your fall festivities!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying them as a sweet snack, there are plenty of ways to elevate this tasty treat.
With Coffee or Tea
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy these muffins alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience.
- Flavored Options: Try pairing with pumpkin spice latte or chai for an extra autumn touch.
As Part of a Breakfast Spread
- Breakfast Buffet: Serve muffins as part of a breakfast spread, accompanied by eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
- Mini Muffin Size: Consider baking mini versions for easy serving and variety.
Drizzled with Extra Glaze
- Creamy Delight: Add a little extra cream cheese glaze on top right before serving for a richer flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Mix in spices like nutmeg or add a hint of maple syrup to the glaze.
With Whipped Cream
- Indulgent Treat: Top each muffin with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert option.
- Seasonal Spices: Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for added flavor.
Complementing Fresh Fruit
- Fruit Salad Side: Serve with a side of mixed fresh fruit to balance the sweetness of the muffins.
- Seasonal Choices: Use seasonal fruits like apples and pears for an autumn-themed dish.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
To ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins turn out perfect every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh pumpkin puree and baking powder for the best flavor and rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins at 20 minutes; ovens vary, so you want them perfectly baked without being dry.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let muffins cool slightly before adding glaze; this prevents it from melting away completely.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins make a wonderful addition to various meals. Here are some great side dishes that complement their cozy flavors.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance the sweetness of the muffins.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy muffins.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
- Oatmeal Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes made with oats offer heartiness while still keeping breakfast comforting.
- Sautéed Spinach: A quick sauté of spinach with garlic adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Crisp apple slices paired with creamy peanut butter create a sweet and satisfying side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat for the best texture.
- Overmixing the Batter: This can make muffins tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until combined for light and airy muffins.
- Using Old Ingredients: Outdated flour or baking powder can affect rise and flavor. Check freshness before baking.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer ensures accurate baking temperatures.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are key to success. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keep for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat muffins for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat muffins individually on high for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and mashed smoothly.
How do I make dairy-free Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Walnuts or chocolate chips can add extra flavor. Fold them into the batter before baking.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
The best way is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they bring comfort with every bite. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Soft and fluffy, each muffin is infused with the rich essence of pumpkin and warm cinnamon, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack. Topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze, these muffins are not only irresistible but also quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep time. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, these muffins will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter and add a spoonful of cinnamon swirl (made from melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon). Add more batter on top and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, make the cream cheese glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg