Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

I absolutely love the cozy vibes these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe brings to my kitchen. There’s something so comforting about the blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and that sweet cinnamon honey butter melting on top. Whether it’s a crisp fall morning or a lazy weekend brunch, these muffins make the perfect treat that feels both homey and special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how it balanced tender pumpkin goodness with a delightfully crunchy streusel and surprise pockets of cream cheese. You’ll find that these muffins aren’t just flavorful—they’re versatile enough to enjoy as a breakfast, snack, or even a dessert. Plus, the cinnamon honey butter takes them over the top without any extra fuss.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe plays a key role, from the creamy butter to the aromatic spices. Choosing fresh pumpkin puree and quality spices will really make a difference in flavor and texture.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds subtle seasoning; melted butter helps keep the muffins moist.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and helps give that tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the pumpkin spices.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the best taste and texture.
• Milk: Adds a bit of creaminess and keeps the muffins soft.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; measuring correctly is important for perfect muffins.
• Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to tenderize the crumb.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice is key to that classic fall flavor.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to deepen the pumpkin flavor.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• For the streusel: Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold cubed butter and cream cheese cubes add crunch and decadent surprise pockets.
• Cinnamon honey butter: Butter, honey, and cinnamon combine into a sweet, spiced spread for serving.

Variations

I love tweaking this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe to suit different occasions or preferences. Don’t hesitate to make it your own – a little personal touch always makes baking more fun and rewarding!

• Make it gluten-free: I often swap all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and it keeps the texture just right.
• Add nuts or chocolate chips: Toasted pecans or mini chocolate chips stirred into the batter add a fun crunch or melty sweetness my family adores.
• Spice it up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth during chilly months.
• Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based butter and milk substitute to adapt this recipe without losing flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tins

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 16 muffin cups with paper liners to keep the muffins from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. Having everything ready means you can move quickly through the batter assembly without stress.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree and milk, blending everything together until creamy and uniform. I love this part because the batter already smells like fall!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined—don’t overbeat or the muffins might turn out tough. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms a crumbly texture. This classic streusel will add that delicious crunch on top that everyone loves.

Step 5: Assemble Your Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups—filling them about three-quarters full. Then push one cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin; this little surprise is the best part and gives a creamy richness inside each bite. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin, making sure to cover the cream cheese.

Step 6: Bake and Make Cinnamon Honey Butter

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. While the muffins are baking, mix together room temperature butter, honey, and cinnamon to make that luscious cinnamon honey butter spread. You’re going to want lots of this!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the tin. They’re delicious warm, slathered generously with cinnamon honey butter that melts into every crumb. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly and your family will ask for seconds!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a light drizzle of honey on top of the muffins just before serving—it adds a touch of sparkle and extra warmth. Sometimes, I also add crushed toasted pecans for crunch and a rustic finish that pairs beautifully with the fall flavors.

Side Dishes

These muffins go splendidly with a cozy cup of coffee or chai tea—hence the “coffee cake” inspiration! For an easy brunch, I’ll serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these muffins on a rustic wooden tray with little bowls of cinnamon honey butter and fresh pumpkin seeds nearby for guests to spread and sprinkle as they please. Wrapping each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming gift or party favor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, the fridge is a good option but brings a slight firmness to the crumb.

Freezing

I often freeze these muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap then placed in a zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave for a minute or two.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, I microwave a muffin for about 20 seconds or heat it gently in a toaster oven. Adding a little extra cinnamon honey butter while warm makes it taste just like straight from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that sweet spot between indulgence and comfort. Whenever I’m craving a warm, inviting treat that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, I reach for this recipe. Give it a shot—you’ll have your own new favorite fall muffin, guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.

Print