Save Soft, spiced pumpkin muffins topped with a smoky maple glaze are the perfect cozy treat for autumn. Their gentle warmth and sweet aroma welcome the season beautifully.
I first made these on a chilly afternoon with my kids. The aroma of spices and pumpkin filled our kitchen and felt instantly comforting.
Ingredients
- Muffins: 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- Muffins: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Muffins: 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
- Muffins: 1 tsp baking powder
- Muffins: 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Muffins: 1/2 tsp salt
- Muffins: 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Muffins: 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Muffins: 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Muffins: 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Muffins: 2 large eggs
- Muffins: 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée
- Muffins: 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- Muffins: 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- Muffins: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Smoked Maple Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- Smoked Maple Glaze: 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Smoked Maple Glaze: 1–2 tbsp milk
- Smoked Maple Glaze: 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (hickory or applewood, to taste)
- Smoked Maple Glaze: Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill & Bake:
- Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, liquid smoke, and salt. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until glaze reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Glaze Muffins:
- Once muffins are fully cooled, drizzle the smoked maple glaze generously over the tops. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Save Sharing these muffins after school became a family favorite. Their golden tops and sweet glaze never fail to bring everyone to the kitchen for seconds.
Required Tools
You'll need a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and a wire rack for cooling.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and milk (in glaze). Double-check ingredients for gluten-free options if required.
Nutritional Information
Per muffin: 260 calories, 9 g total fat, 42 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Save Serve these pumpkin muffins with a warm drink and enjoy autumn in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes these muffins especially moist?
Pumpkin purée and vegetable oil contribute to the soft, tender texture of each muffin.
- → Can I substitute a different flour?
Yes, you may use whole wheat or a gluten-free blend, but texture will vary slightly.
- → How is the smoked flavor achieved in the glaze?
Liquid smoke is used to infuse a gentle smoky note that complements the maple syrup's sweetness.
- → Are nuts necessary in this dish?
Nuts are optional. Toasted pecans or walnuts add flavor and crunch, but the muffins are flavorful without them.
- → What is the best beverage pairing?
Spiced chai and robust coffee enhance the muffins’ autumnal spices and maple notes wonderfully.
- → Can the glaze be made ahead?
Yes, prepare it in advance and store covered. Give it a quick whisk before drizzling over the cooled muffins.