Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

I absolutely love how these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe come together—moist, fluffy muffins bursting with pumpkin flavor and a dreamy cream cheese surprise in the center. What makes this recipe truly special is the irresistible cinnamon-swirled streusel topping paired with a luscious cinnamon honey butter that melts into every bite. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning or an indulgent afternoon treat.

When I first tried making Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe, I was blown away by how simple the process was, yet how bakery-quality the results turned out. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to cozy up with a cup of coffee, these muffins deliver comfort and joy in every mouthful. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find this recipe is a keeper for the whole fall season and beyond.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe complement each other to build layers of texture and flavor. Using real pumpkin puree and warm spices makes all the difference, so shop for fresh or canned 100% pumpkin puree to keep the taste authentic.

• Salted butter: Melted in the batter and cold cubed for the streusel to add richness and flakiness.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic depth.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help create a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade—this is the star ingredient packed with flavor and moisture.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the muffins and the streusel topping.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Make sure your muffins rise nicely and stay fluffy.
• Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: Classic spices that warm up the entire muffin.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Cream cheese: Cubed and hidden inside each muffin for that delightful surprise.
• Honey: Sweetens the cinnamon honey butter naturally.

Variations

I love to play around with this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe to keep things exciting. Sometimes I swap out the cream cheese for white chocolate chunks or stir in chopped pecans for extra crunch. Feel free to make this your own!

• Nut-Free Version: I’ve had plenty of success just leaving out nuts entirely without compromising flavor for guests with allergies.
• Vegan Adaptation: You can try using flax eggs and vegan butter—though I suggest testing the rise and texture as it changes.
• Spice Level: If you want a bit more warmth, adding extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves really lifts the aroma.
• Sweetener Swaps: Honey in the cinnamon butter can be swapped with maple syrup for a different but equally tasty twist.

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

Step 1: Preparing Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners—this makes cleanup a breeze and gives your muffins a lovely presentation. Melt the butter, then in a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fragrant. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree and milk until you have a smooth and creamy batter. I usually use my stand mixer on low speed here to keep everything well blended without overmixing.

Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently on low speed until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing so your muffins stay tender and fluffy, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 3: Making the Streusel Topping

Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then, add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips—or even a pastry cutter—to rub the butter into the mixture until it looks crumbly with pea-sized bits. This simple step is what gives the muffins that irresistible crumbly top that‘s just perfect with the soft muffin beneath.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

Divide the batter evenly among the 16 muffin cups. This part is fun—I press one cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin for that surprise gooey middle. Now sprinkle the generous amount of streusel all over the tops. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the cream cheese comes out clean. Don’t open the oven too often, or you risk the muffins collapsing!

Step 5: Whipping Up the Cinnamon Honey Butter

While the muffins bake, make your cinnamon honey butter by simply mixing softened butter with honey and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This butter takes these muffins from delicious to downright dreamy. I always keep a generous bowl of it ready to slather on warm muffins fresh from the oven.

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

Garnishes

I love topping these muffins with a little extra cinnamon dust or a light drizzle of honey for added sparkle. On occasion, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few pumpkin seeds gives a nice crunch and makes the presentation pop. Simple touches like these make serving feel special without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making your morning feel cozy and indulgent. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the richness. They also work well next to a light egg dish if you want a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive fall gathering, I’ve arranged these muffins in a pumpkin-themed basket lined with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks—guests love the DIY vibe. Wrapping each muffin with a little parchment and tying with twine makes a charming edible gift, especially when paired with a jar of the cinnamon honey butter. It’s a small touch that really impresses everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—they stay wonderfully moist. If your kitchen tends to be warm, refrigeration works too, but I bring them back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I often freeze these muffins for longer storage by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat one, just thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture or flavor much, which is a big plus for busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheating is super simple—pop your muffin in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm. Spread on a generous amount of the cinnamon honey butter, and you’ll swear they were just baked fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a special treat that’s pretty easy to whip up. The combination of tender pumpkin goodness, crumbly streusel, and that sweet cinnamon honey butter never fails to make me smile—and if you try it, I’m sure you’ll feel the same. So next time you crave something cozy and delicious, give these muffins a shot. Your morning coffee (or afternoon tea) will thank you!

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