Ah, the first crisp breeze of autumn is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible craving for all things pumpkin. Enter the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins – a heavenly fusion of sweet, spiced pumpkin and the classic cinnamon roll flavors we know and love. These muffins are the perfect way to welcome the cozy fall season, delivering a moist, tender crumb and a decadent cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite.
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Why Pumpkin and Cinnamon are a Match Made in Heaven
The pairing of pumpkin and cinnamon is nothing short of magical. Pumpkin, with its natural sweetness and smooth texture, provides the perfect canvas for the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon. Together, they create a comforting and familiar flavor profile that truly embodies the essence of autumn. Beyond their delightful taste, pumpkin also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, including a generous dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – making these muffins a wholesome treat to enjoy throughout the season.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
To craft these irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or substitute vegetable oil)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
And for the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (use more for a thinner glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins? Let’s dive in!
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl.
Assemble the Muffins
Fill the muffin cups halfway with the pumpkin batter, then add a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Top with the remaining pumpkin batter and use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create the dreamy cream cheese glaze.
Glaze and Serve
Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top and enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
To ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins turn out bakery-worthy, keep these tips in mind:
Avoid Overmixing
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense, tough muffins. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Oven Temperature is Key
Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking and a soft, tender crumb.
Customization Options
Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of streusel topping to your muffins.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving for a warm, fresh-baked experience.

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Beyond their delightful flavor, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins also offer a nutritional boost. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients can support immune function, eye health, and even skin health. Compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, these muffins provide a more balanced treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
FAQs
Do pumpkin muffins need to be refrigerated?
Pumpkin muffins do not necessarily need to be refrigerated, as long as they are stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. However, if you have added a perishable ingredient like cream cheese to the recipe, it’s best to store the muffins in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
What is the secret to bakery-style muffins?
The key to achieving bakery-style muffins is to avoid overmixing the batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. This helps create a soft, tender crumb and a light, fluffy texture.
Why are my pumpkin muffins so dense?
Pumpkin muffins can become dense for a few reasons: overmixing the batter, using too much pumpkin puree, or not incorporating enough leavening agents. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions closely and mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to prevent a dense texture.
What are the two-item pumpkin muffins?
The two-item pumpkin muffins typically refer to muffins made with just pumpkin puree and spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These simple muffins allow the natural sweetness and flavor of the pumpkin to shine without the addition of other ingredients like butter, oil, or sugar.
Embrace the Flavors of Fall with Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins
When the crisp autumn air beckons and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of warm, fragrant Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins. From the moist, pumpkin-infused crumb to the decadent cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy cream cheese glaze, these muffins are a true delight for the senses. Bake up a batch today and savor the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Bake Irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins in Just 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins: A Taste of Fall in Every Bite
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for swirl)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl.
4. Fill the muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter, then add a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Top with the remaining pumpkin batter and use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
5. Pop the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create the dreamy cream cheese glaze.
7. Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top and enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins warm or at room temperature.
Notes
To ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins turn out bakery-worthy, keep these tips in mind:
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense, tough muffins. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F for even baking and a soft, tender crumb.
Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of streusel topping to your muffins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg