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Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Soft, Spiced, and Cozy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • Wet: 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional add-ins and toppings: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Ground cinnamon for dusting

Method
 

  1. Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Break up any brown sugar clumps.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill and bake: Divide batter evenly among the cups (about 3/4 full). Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and tops spring back.
  6. Cool completely: Let muffins sit in the pan 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool. They must be fully cool before frosting.
  7. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Mix in powdered sugar, starting with 1 1/2 cups and adding more to thicken to a spreadable consistency.
  8. Frost: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled muffins. Dust with cinnamon or add a few chopped nuts if you like.