Name: Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 193 reviews

The moment you try this Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite for pumpkin lovers everywhere. These moist, perfectly spiced muffins capture all the cozy flavors of fall, wrapped up in a delightfully soft texture that melts in your mouth. With a sweet, creamy glaze that mimics the classic doughnut finish, they’re the ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack anytime you crave a little autumn magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of three stacked cupcakes, each covered with smooth white icing that drips slightly down the sides. The cupcakes have a light golden brown color and soft texture, with the paper liners visible and slightly crinkled. The cupcakes are set on a white marbled surface, with a small orange pumpkin blurred in the background. The soft lighting highlights the creamy icing and the delicate texture of the cupcakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together simply but effectively, each playing a crucial role in creating the tender crumb, warm spices, and rich pumpkin flavor that define this Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe.

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure to the muffins, lending a soft yet sturdy crumb.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the muffins rise beautifully with a light texture.
Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds that quintessential warm spice note.
Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Provides depth and a slightly nutty flavor to the spice mix.
Ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle zing that accents the pumpkin.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend with a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to achieve perfect rise and texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Canned pumpkin puree (1 1/4 cups): The star ingredient delivering moistness, vibrant color, and that classic pumpkin essence.
Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang for richness without heaviness.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, room temperature): For tender crumb and buttery flavor.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Sweetens with a wonderful molasses undertone.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar’s richness with clean sweetness.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the muffins delightfully moist.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the lovely texture.
Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups): For the classic sweet glaze that gives a doughnut-like finish.
Milk (3 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Added to the glaze for extra flavor depth.

How to Make Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepping your oven and muffin tin

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners to make cleanup easy and keep your muffins intact when you remove them later.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Combining these spices and rising agents thoroughly ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and your muffins rise evenly.

Step 3: Blend the pumpkin and yogurt

In a separate bowl, whisk the canned pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt together until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness and keeps the muffins tender.

Step 4: Cream butter and sugars

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and both sugars on medium speed until fluffy and light, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step aerates the batter, contributing to a light texture. Then, beat in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Add eggs and combine mixtures

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Lower the mixer speed and alternately add the dry ingredients and the pumpkin-yogurt mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Bake the muffins

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups, filling them nearly to the top for that perfect dome. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This quick bake time preserves moistness and lets the spices shine without drying out.

Step 7: Prepare the glaze

While the muffins bake, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach that wonderful, glossy, and slightly runny consistency perfect for dipping.

Step 8: Glaze and cool

Once the muffins have cooled for about 10 minutes, dip the top of each muffin into the glaze, coating the “crown” completely. Place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set before serving. This step creates that iconic doughnut finish everyone adores.

How to Serve Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe

A stack of three pumpkin doughnut muffins is shown in the center, each muffin in a white paper liner with a thick, smooth white glaze that slightly drips down the sides. The muffins have a soft orange-brown color visible under the glaze. Around the stack, there are more muffins with the same appearance placed on a wooden board. In the blurry background, small orange pumpkins add a warm autumn feel. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe treats are a canvas for creativity. Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze for an extra spice kick. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of colorful autumn sugar sprinkles to make them look festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair gloriously with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte for the quintessential fall snack. For breakfast, serve alongside creamy scrambled eggs or fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples or pears to enjoy a balanced and indulgent spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve these pumpkin doughnut muffins stacked on a rustic wooden board with a little jar of honey or maple syrup on the side? Alternatively, you could hollow out the center and fill with pumpkin cream cheese or apple butter for a delightful surprise with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the muffins soft and the glaze beautifully intact without sticky messes.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy the pumpkin goodness anytime you crave it.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins as if freshly baked, gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes. This reactivates the soft texture and makes the glaze slightly melty—absolutely delicious!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you use fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth first. Keep the quantity the same, and your muffins will still have that irresistible moist pumpkin flavor.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk in equal amounts. Both add moisture and tanginess, preserving the muffin’s tender texture and balanced flavor.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add more confectioners’ sugar a little at a time. To thin it out, add more milk by drops until you reach the desired consistency. It should be smooth enough to coat but not so runny it drips off.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing after glazing?

It’s best to freeze the muffins before glazing. Once thawed, you can dip them in glaze for the freshest doughnut finish. Freezing already glazed muffins may cause the glaze to become messy or lose its texture.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for binding. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious and perfectly spiced.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat to celebrate pumpkin season or just want to enjoy delicious fall flavors any time, the Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins Recipe is your go-to. It delivers the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and that nostalgic doughnut glaze in an easy-to-make muffin form. Trust me, once you’ve made and tasted these, they’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll want to enjoy again and again.