Pin Soft, spiced pumpkin muffins with a unique smoky maple glaze are the perfect cozy autumn treat for dessert or breakfast. Each bite is a warm welcome to fall flavors, balanced with a hint of sweet maple and subtle smoke.
I first made these muffins on a chilly weekend, when the leaves were turning outside. That sweet and smoky glaze was so surprising that my family asked for seconds immediately.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/2 cup (110 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Large eggs: 2
- Pumpkin purée: 1 cup (240 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml) plus 1–2 tbsp for glaze
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g) for glaze
- Pure maple syrup: 2 tbsp for glaze
- Liquid smoke (hickory or applewood): 1/4 tsp, to taste for glaze
- Salt: Pinch for glaze
Instructions
- Prepare 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 and Bake:
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, liquid smoke, and salt. Add more milk as needed for drizzling consistency.
- Glaze Muffins:
- Once muffins are fully cool, drizzle smoked maple glaze on top and allow glaze to set before serving.
Pin I remember us enjoying these muffins together on Sunday morning, each of us savoring the warm spices and sticky glaze while sharing stories at the table.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per muffin: Calories 260, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 42 g, Protein 3 g
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with spiced chai or a strong cup of coffee for an extra autumn pick-me-up.
Pin Try these pumpkin muffins on a crisp morning—they bring a warm, comforting touch to any autumn gathering. The smoked maple glaze sets them apart as an unforgettable seasonal treat.