Welcome to the coziest recipe in my kitchen: Easy Pumpkin Muffins! If you dream of a sweet, fluffy snack that smells like autumn and delivers pure comfort with every bite, you’re in for a treat. These muffins are everything you love about pumpkin spice, bundled into a soft, bakery-style package that comes together with minimal fuss. Enjoy them as a breakfast on the go, a fall brunch centerpiece, or just a yummy snack any time of year — they’re bound to be your new favorite bake!

Easy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredients for these Easy Pumpkin Muffins are as simple as can be, yet each one plays a vital role in the final taste and texture. Nothing is here by accident — every element brings flavor, moisture, or a little lift to these irresistible muffins.

All purpose flour: The foundation for structure, giving the muffins their classic crumb.
Ground cinnamon: Warmth and spice, infusing each bite with fall flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise tall and fluffy.
Baking soda: Extra lift, ensuring the perfect tender texture.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Nutmeg: Adds depth with that subtle, earthy spice note.
Cloves: For a punch of aromatic warmth right at the end.
Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Creates muffins that stay soft for days — no dry bites here!
Granulated sugar: Balances both sweetness and structure for the batter.
Eggs + 1 yolk: Binds everything together and adds richness and color.
Sour cream (or plain yogurt): A touch of tang for flavor and tenderness — plus, it keeps the crumb delightfully moist.
Pumpkin puree (15 oz can): The star of the show, giving flavor, moisture, and that signature golden hue to every muffin.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to work its magic. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, then lightly spray each with a touch of baking spray. This ensures every Easy Pumpkin Muffin pops out beautifully — and cleanup is a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Give this blend a good whisk or stir — this way, every muffin gets an even dose of spices and leaveners, making each bite perfectly spiced and fluffy.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Oil

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth. This step doesn’t take long, but it’s key for creating a consistent, moist batter that’ll bake up light and tender every time.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Pumpkin

Next, add the eggs and extra yolk, mixing until just incorporated. Gently mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) for that hint of tang and extra softness, followed by the pumpkin puree. Keep the mixing gentle here to preserve that fluffy texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry & Fill the Tins

Add your bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined — no need to overwork it! Spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling about 3/4 of the way. You’ll love how inviting and aromatic this batter already smells!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely — this little wait is worth it for the perfect texture.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Muffins

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple glaze, or a sprinkle of pepitas on top gives these Easy Pumpkin Muffins a bakery-fresh look and an extra pop of flavor. Even a small pat of butter melting into a warm muffin can make your morning feel like a special treat.

Side Dishes

Pair your muffins with fresh fruit for a light breakfast, or serve alongside rich Greek yogurt and a warm mug of coffee or chai. If you’re hosting brunch, set out some crisp bacon or scrambled eggs — the sweet muffins balance savory sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Easy Pumpkin Muffins on a rustic platter with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for a fall-inspired spread. For dessert, you could serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might even slice them in half and fill with whipped cream cheese for extra indulgence!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have a few muffins left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or lunchbox treat.

Freezing

Easy Pumpkin Muffins freeze beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each muffin individually or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a muffin fix, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a treat that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

Pop a muffin in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for that warm-from-the-oven effect. Alternatively, reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps refresh the muffin’s soft, fluffy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works great in Easy Pumpkin Muffins — just make sure it’s thick (excessively watery puree can change the texture of the batter). Drain or blot homemade puree if needed for best results.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a perfect swap in Easy Pumpkin Muffins. Both options add tang and moisture, though yogurt will give a slightly lighter flavor.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Fold in up to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans into the batter before baking. It’s a fun way to make Easy Pumpkin Muffins uniquely your own.

Are these muffins good for kids?

Yes! Kids love Easy Pumpkin Muffins because they’re soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Plus, they pack a little veggie goodness thanks to the pumpkin, so you can feel good about serving them any time.

How do I prevent muffins from sticking to the liners?

Lightly spraying the paper liners with baking spray before filling prevents sticking and makes peeling effortless. Letting the muffins cool for at least 10 minutes also helps them release cleanly from the papers.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for pumpkin season — these Easy Pumpkin Muffins deserve a spot in your baking rotation all year long! With their soft crumb, cozy spices, and beginner-friendly method, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone around your table. Give them a try and see just how simple and delicious homemade muffins can be!