My kids declared this the best pumpkin recipe I have made all fall. They love the fun bite-size twist on pumpkin donuts, with a soft, fluffy texture that feels more like a muffin but with the same sugary, spiced topping of a donut. These mini muffins are packed with all things pumpkin and make the house smell amazing while they bake. The best part? You don’t even need a donut pan—just a mini muffin tin (or a regular muffin tin for larger muffins) and some basic pantry ingredients. They’re a delicious way to celebrate the fall season, and the cinnamon-sugar coating takes them over the top! If easy donut recipes make your heart happy, you’ll love my Apple Cider Donuts, Carrot Cake Baked Donuts, Apple Fritter Donuts, and Homemade Glazed Donuts – they’re absolute must-tries!
Why We Love This Recipe
Ready in just under 30 minutes, these mini pumpkin donut muffins are a great recipe for busy fall mornings or last-minute treats. Bursting with pumpkin spice and cinnamon sugar, these muffins capture the warm, cozy flavors of the season in every bite. The mini size makes them perfect for popping into your mouth, and they’re ideal for sharing (though you might want to keep them all for yourself!).
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
All-Purpose Flour – The base of your muffins, creating the perfect fluffy texture. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the muffins and the cinnamon-sugar topping. Light Brown Sugar – Gives a rich, molasses-like flavor to the batter. Baking Powder – Helps the muffins rise and stay light and fluffy. Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Pumpkin Pie Spice – The star of the show, giving the muffins that classic fall spice mix. Eggs – Provide structure and moisture to the muffins. Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture, color, and that delicious pumpkin flavor. Go the extra mile and whip up your own with my homemade pumpkin puree recipe! Salted Butter (melted) – Keeps the muffins tender and moist while adding richness. Ground Cinnamon – For the cinnamon-sugar coating that takes these muffins to the next level. Cooking Spray – Helps the muffins release easily from the tin.
How to Make Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins
Tips for Success
Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix smoothly and ensure an even bake. Don’t overmix the batter! Stirring too much can make the muffins dense. If you want extra fluffy muffins, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before scooping it into the muffin tin. Roll the muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm for the best coating.
Substitutions and Variations
You can swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. No pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (see notes in the recipe card). If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors. Be sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices that can throw off the recipe.
More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Fall For
Pumpkin Cornbread Pumpkin Butter Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Cheesecake
They’re also a great addition to any holiday breakfast spread, alongside some Scrambled Macaroni & Eggs, Oven Baked Bacon, or a Fruit Salad for a more balanced meal.
Pumpkin Pancakes with Creamy Cinnamon Syrup
Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin French Toast with Whipped Pumpkin Butter
