Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins:The Perfect Fall Treat

My Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Journey

Hi there! I’m Clara, the heart and soul behind recipebyclara.com. From my earliest memories, the kitchen has always been a place of warmth and creativity. It’s where I discovered the magic of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary meals and learned that the best dishes are made with love as the main ingredient. When fall rolls around, I’m always inspired by cozy flavors, and that’s how pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins became one of my favorite seasonal creations. These muffins bring together the spiced warmth of pumpkin and the sweet swirl of cinnamon rolls, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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The best part is how approachable they are. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you’ll find that making pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins from scratch is fun and rewarding. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake instantly makes your home feel more inviting, and every bite carries a comforting mix of soft pumpkin muffin and cinnamon-sugar swirl. I love sharing these during crisp autumn mornings, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Table of Contents

Why These Muffins Are a Must-Bake This Season

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are versatile enough to serve at brunch, pack in a lunchbox, or enjoy as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The pumpkin keeps them incredibly moist, while the cinnamon glaze adds that irresistible bakery-style finish. If you’re a fan of cozy seasonal recipes, you’ll love trying these alongside classics like pumpkin pie bars or even a savory favorite such as pumpkin spice bread. Each recipe highlights how pumpkin can shine in both sweet and savory forms.

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate fall bake, pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are it. They’re simple, flavorful, and the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

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Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins served with glaze

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins


  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins blend the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice muffins and gooey cinnamon rolls, finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for fall breakfasts, brunch, or dessert.


Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, not pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the swirl: 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream cheese glaze


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Fold dry mixture into wet until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add a spoonful of cinnamon swirl, then top with more batter.
  6. Lightly swirl layers with a toothpick.
  7. Bake 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool slightly, then drizzle glaze on top before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add a cream cheese filling before baking or sprinkle a streusel topping instead of glaze. Store muffins in an airtight container for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5, or freeze up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

The beauty of pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins is how simple the ingredient list is while still delivering bakery-quality flavor. To make the pumpkin batter, you’ll need pumpkin puree (canned works best, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling), flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, melted butter or oil, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The pumpkin puree not only gives these muffins their signature flavor but also keeps them moist and soft.

For the cinnamon swirl, you’ll mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This creates the sweet spiral inside the muffins that mimics a cinnamon roll. To finish, a cream cheese glaze or simple powdered sugar icing can be drizzled on top. The glaze adds sweetness and that classic bakery-style look.

If you want to explore more fall flavor combinations, try pairing these muffins with recipes like my creamy pumpkin pasta for a savory-sweet seasonal menu, or bake them alongside pumpkin pie bars to create a full autumn dessert spread.

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffin ingredients arranged on table
Ingredients for pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Muffins

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, spoon a swirl of cinnamon mixture in the center, then top with more batter. Use a toothpick to lightly swirl the layers. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Mixing pumpkin muffin batter
Preparing the pumpkin muffin batter

Flavor Variations for Every Occasion

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are delicious as written, but you can easily customize them to suit any occasion. For a richer bite, try adding a cream cheese filling in the center before baking it creates a soft, tangy surprise that balances the sweetness of the swirl. If you prefer extra crunch, sprinkle a buttery streusel topping over the batter before baking instead of using glaze. Another option is folding in chopped pecans or walnuts to add texture and nutty flavor.

For a healthier spin, you can swap in whole wheat flour or use coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Gluten-free flour blends also work well if you want to make these muffins accessible for everyone at the table. These variations prove that pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins aren’t just a one-note fall treat; they can adapt to any style of baking. Pair them with cozy recipes like my raisin pumpkin spice bread or even balance the sweetness with a savory option like Mediterranean bruschetta pasta salad for a seasonal spread.

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins on rustic table
Freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins with glaze

Storing & Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Freshly baked muffins can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw the muffins at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. If freezing glazed muffins, it’s best to glaze after thawing to maintain the smooth texture. These storage tips make it easy to prep ahead for holidays or keep a stash ready for quick breakfasts.

FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

What are pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins?

They’re a hybrid between soft pumpkin spice muffins and gooey cinnamon rolls. The base is a moist pumpkin batter, swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with glaze.

How do you make pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins from scratch?

Mix the pumpkin batter using flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and spices. Layer it with cinnamon swirl, bake until golden, then top with glaze.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree in pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins?

Yes—canned puree is actually the preferred option since it keeps the texture moist and ensures consistent results.

Do pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins taste like pumpkin pie?

They carry the same warm spices as pumpkin pie but have a lighter, cake-like texture instead of custardy richness.

Can I make pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for 5, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat before glazing for best texture.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins shine when served warm, fresh out of the oven, with glaze melting into the swirl. They’re a hit at brunch tables alongside coffee, tea, or spiced cider. For holiday gatherings, plate them with other seasonal desserts for a festive dessert spread. You can also package them in gift boxes for neighbors and friends nothing says fall more than homemade pumpkin treats.

Their versatility makes them perfect for everything from busy weekday mornings to Thanksgiving morning breakfast. Serve them with a drizzle of maple glaze for a twist or keep them classic with cream cheese frosting. Either way, these muffins always impress.

Conclusion

Pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins are the ultimate fall bake, blending the cozy flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon into one irresistible treat. They’re easy enough for a quick weekend project but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Whether you enjoy them warm with a drizzle of glaze or prep them ahead for family breakfasts, these muffins are guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles. Add them to your seasonal baking list and share the joy of pumpkin spice with everyone you love.

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