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Pumpkin Snickerdoodle muffins are everything you love about snickerdoodle cookies and pumpkin muffins smushed together into one! My pumpkin muffins are soft, tender, and dusted with cinnamon sugar on top. The perfect breakfast on a chilly fall morning!

pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins in muffin pan with cinnamon sugar on top

PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLE MUFFINS.

I’m welcoming fall today. Finally! These pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins are perfect for the season. Lightly sweetened pumpkin muffins topped with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. And they are most definitely tender and the ‘M’ word that everyone hates so much. The secret to these pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins is the addition of cream of tartar and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right before we place them in the oven. And that 25 minutes of baking time is murder because the whole place smells likes fall. No need for a candle, just make pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins; instead, it’s undoubtedly rewarding in more ways than one.

I can’t believe I goofed so big as to share a very summery cucumber salad on Monday aka the first day of PSL season! That’s just terrible planning on my part. I bring yummy fall-scented muffins today, so I genuinely hope that you’ll forgive me. Have you seen the Cruella Deville meme where she’s got her hands on a sharing wheel driving headfirst into an impossible situation? That’s been me this past week.

I might be coming in late, but I’m totally coming in hot with these pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins.

close up of pumpkin muffin sprinkled with cinnamon sugar on top

How many ways are there to make a pumpkin muffin?

I’m not exactly sure, but for all of our sakes, I’m willing to find at least another 100 ways to make them. I know, it’s a selfless task, but someones got to do it, and I think I’m up for the job. If you’re into the chai-spice and cheesecake scene, I made these muffins last year, and we devoured them in no time.

And if you think this is going to be the last of the pumpkin recipes, I say think again. I’m working on another new pumpkin bread recipe that is just seconds away from perfect. When I get it to where I’m wanting to go with it, it will be the mic drop of all pumpkin bread for sure.

stack of two pumpkin muffins
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What do you need to make pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins? 

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cream of tartar
  • Leavening agents
  • Ground spices
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

What’s the topping for snickerdoodle pumpkin muffins?

  • Ground cinnamon 
  • Granulated sugar
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins - everything you love about snickerdoodle cookies and pumpkin muffins smushed together into one! Tender and so delicious with a cup of coffee in the fall! #pumpkinmuffins #bestpumpkinmuffins #pumpkinrecipes #fallbakingrecipes #fallbaking #snickerdoodle | Littlespicejar.com

Can I use pumpkin pie filling to make these muffins?

Unfortunately, no. Pumpkin pie filling is very different from pumpkin puree. Pie filling contains added sugar as well as spices so your muffins will end up being overly sweet, overly spiced, and they may not bake as beautifully because of the added moisture. For best results, I suggest using pure pumpkin puree for this muffin recipe.

How to make the best pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins

  1. The first step is to always place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 375ºF. You’ll want to line your muffin pan with baking liners if you’re using them. If not, you can also spray the muffin pans with cooked spray and dust with a little flour to keep the muffins from sticking to the pan. In a glass measuring cup or a microwave-safe medium bowl, melt your butter and allow it to cool. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar you’re going to top the muffins with, set it aside for now.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. That means your all-purpose flour, sugars, leavening agents, and all the spices. Whisk together, so everything is well combined.
  3. Once the butter has cooled down, you’ll add in the wet ingredients. You want to be sure the butter isn’t hot because otherwise the eggs will scramble and you’ll have to start over. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and eggs. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Don’t overmix the batter or you’ll end up with tough muffins!
  4. I like to use a cookie scoop to help portion the pumpkin batter out into the muffin pans evenly. Once you’ve portioned it out, top the muffins with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar mixture. 
  5. Then just bake the muffins for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out without any wet batter. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
scattered muffin paper-lined pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins on a white surface

How long will these pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins last?

My experience with muffins is that they hold up pretty well for 3-4 days. It’s still really hot in Texas, so I usually pop them into the refrigerator after day two because the moist muffins don’t do well in the humidity here!

Usually, I bake a batch and send some to family and friends and keep just enough around for us to eat in a day or two. 

Can you freeze a batch of these muffins?

Yes, you can freeze these muffins! I would allow them to cool to room temperature and then pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and they should be ready to enjoy in time for breakfast!

I do find that the sugar on top doesn’t hold up to freezing, it does dissolve into the muffins so you won’t necessarily get that same crunch you get when the muffins are fresh. But taste-wise they are just as delicious!

Pumpkin muffins are going to be on repeat for the remainder for the year over here.

Cheers to pumpkin spice season!

close up of pumpkin muffins showing the texture of cinnamon sugar on top

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins

4.95 from 19 votes
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle muffins are everything you love about snickerdoodle cookies and pumpkin muffins smushed together into one! My pumpkin muffins are soft, tender, and dusted with cinnamon sugar on top. The perfect breakfast on a chilly fall morning!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Author: Marzia
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Ingredients 

pumpkin muffins:

  • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: ground cinnamon AND baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: cream of tartar AND salt
  • teaspoon nutmeg allspice, AND ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup salted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

topping:

  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • cup granulated sugar

Instructions 

  • PREP: Position a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF. Place muffin liners in muffin pans, or spray the muffin pan with cooking spray if you don’t want to use liners; set aside.
  • BATTER: Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, salt, ground cloves, allspice and nutmeg. In 4-cup measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and the cinnamon for the topping; set aside.
  • BAKE: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until *just* combined. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan and top each muffin with about 1 ½ teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake the muffins for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Notes

  • Make sure you allow the butter to cool before adding in the eggs otherwise you’ll end up with scrambled eggs!

Like This? Leave a comment & rating below!

Hi, I'm Marzia!

A wife, mother, nutritionist, certified foodie, and a coffee lover. My husband Anees, our daughter, and I live near Houston. I love reading books, bingeing reality shows, and a good salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie!

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4.95 from 19 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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15 Comments

  1. Kerry says:

    5 stars
    These are so good! 5/5 people in my home loved them. Next time, I will cut the cinnamon sugar topping by about 2/3. I had extra and a bunch fell off the tops of the muffins.

  2. Candace says:

    4 stars
    This muffin was delicious. I can see myself making this muffins all through the fall.

  3. Kate says:

    These were great

    Recipe variations::

    Used 1 cup flour & 3/4 cup almond flour
    Used  less sugar (1/2 cup brown/1/2 cup granulated)
    Forgot topping just sprinkled with sugar after baking.

    Still a big hit, great pumpkin flavor

  4. Debbie Crane says:

    Absolutely Fantastic!! I agree they are the best. They bake up nice and full and look beautiful. I rate it a 10!

  5. Michele says:

    How many muffins does this recipe make??

  6. Melissa says:

    I really want to make these but I’m DF, Gf, egg free. I can sub the flour and butter but I can’t have eggs. Do you think an egg replacer or chia/flax egg would work? It doesn’t always work in recipes. 

    1. Marzia says:

      Hi Melissa! Unfortunately, like you mentioned swapping the egg for flax egg doesn’t always work. This recipe would require additional recipe testing, so I’m unsure. If you decide to give it a go anyway, I’d love to know how it went for you!

  7. Molly says:

    5 stars
    Very moist! I added blueberries and it was a great flavor combo.

    1. Marzia says:

      Hi Molly! So glad to hear you gave these a try and made them your own! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  8. Leslie says:

    Do you think i could used your gluten free blueberry muffin technique to make these and sub the buttermilk for pumpkin and add the spices?  Or should i follow this recipe and just sub the flour for GF flour? I REALLY love the texture of the blueberry recipe and i don’t eat wheat. 

    1. Marzia says:

      Hi Leslie! I would suggest subbing a GF flour mix (something that can be used 1:1) in this recipe for the regular all-purpose. I’m worried that with the blueberry muffin recipe as the base, you won’t get enough of that pumpkin flavor and that the batter might come out quite thick since the puree is thicker than buttermilk. If you decide to give it a try, would love to know how it went for you 🙂

  9. Julia LeRoux says:

    5 stars
    I had some leftover pie pumpkins, so I cooked and puréed them and the baked these muffins.  Soooooo delicious!  They turned out perfectly!  

  10. Tricia says:

    5 stars
    So moist and delicious! These are a keeper. I can’t wait to share them at work tomorrow.

    1. Marzia says:

      So glad to hear that! Hope they’re a big hit!

  11. Durjoy Mitra says:

    i love PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLE MUFFINS. thank you for the recipes .