Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Oh, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe! It’s one of those comforting, cozy treats that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning or a sweet pick-me-up any time of day. I love how the pumpkin keeps the muffins moist and tender, while the cinnamon honey butter adds that perfect balance of spice and sweetness to each bite.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch with friends or just craving something special with your coffee, these muffins never disappoint. The creamy pockets of cream cheese tucked inside take it to another level, and the crumbly streusel topping? Absolute perfection. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking lineup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I always say the magic of this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe is in the balance of spices and textures. Every ingredient plays a role – from the all-purpose flour that gives structure to the warm spices and that luscious cream cheese surprise.

• Salted Butter: Melted butter in the batter adds richness, and cold butter in the streusel gives you that perfect crumbly texture.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar brings deep molasses flavor and moistness to both the muffins and the streusel.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla rounds out the flavors without overpowering the pumpkin and spices.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together while keeping muffins light.
• Pumpkin Puree: Not only seasonal but adds moisture and subtle earthiness that’s key here.
• Milk: Balances the batter’s density for a tender crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives a sturdy base; remember you can use gluten-free mixes if needed.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The leavening duo ensures your muffins rise just right.
• Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: Essential for that warm fall flavor profile everyone loves.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: Cut into cubes and hidden inside for little bursts of creaminess.
• Honey: Blended with butter and cinnamon for the luscious honey butter glaze.

Variations

One thing I love about this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe is how forgiving it is for personalization. I’ve tried a few tweaks that made it even more special, and I encourage you to make it your own.

• Gluten-Free Version: I switched to Cup4Cup gluten-free flour once, and it worked beautifully without losing any of that tender crumb.
• Nutty Add-In: You can toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch—my family goes crazy for that addition in cooler months.
• Spice It Up: If you like bolder spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. It deepens the flavor wonderfully.
• Vegan Adaptation: I haven’t tried this myself, but swapping butter for coconut oil and using a flax egg might do the trick for a plant-based version.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Wet Ingredients for Creaminess

Start by melting your butter and mixing it with the brown sugar and vanilla extract until combined—this is when the sugar starts to dissolve a bit, which helps give your muffins a tender crumb. Add in your eggs one at a time, beating them fully before the next addition to keep the texture smooth and homogenous. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree and milk; the batter should be silky and creamy. This stage is key for those moist pumpkin muffins I knew I loved from the first bite.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients and Fold Them In

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. When you add these to the wet mixture, do it on low speed or gently fold them in by hand if you prefer. You don’t want to over-mix here because that can make muffins tough. Just mix until everything disappears and the batter looks even.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

For that signature crumb topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly mixture—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The cold butter bits will bake up into those irresistible crispy chunks on top.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups, Add Cream Cheese, and Sprinkle Streusel

Spoon the batter evenly into your lined muffin tin, filling about two-thirds full. Now for the fun part: gently press one cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin. Don’t worry if it peeks out a bit—that’s where the gooey surprise comes in! Top with a generous sprinkle of the streusel, making sure each muffin has a good amount to crisp up.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your muffins at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. I like to start checking around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick near the cream cheese (but not through it!) to see if it comes out clean. You want your muffins to be golden on top and springy to the touch. Let them cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cinnamon Honey Butter

While the muffins bake, make the cinnamon honey butter. Just mix softened butter with honey and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. This little spread is the final piece that brings everything together with a sweet, spiced kick—trust me, slathering this on while the muffins are still warm is bliss!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Every Bite

Serve these muffins warm or at room temperature, spreading a generous dollop of cinnamon honey butter on top. I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—it makes mornings feel extra special. If you’re sharing with friends, watch how quickly they disappear!

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

Garnishes

I love finishing these muffins with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the cinnamon honey butter for a subtle salty-sweet contrast. Occasionally, I’ll dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a more indulgent look, especially when serving guests. Fresh mint leaves or a small cinnamon stick alongside the platter adds a nice visual touch for a cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which balance the sweetness with juicy freshness. A warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup or creamy chai latte also complements the flavors beautifully when serving as part of a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served these muffins in decorative paper liners with a small cinnamon stick tied to each with twine as little gift bundles. They’re perfect for fall parties or holiday brunches. Another fun idea is setting up a mini spread with small bowls of cinnamon honey butter and whipped cream so everyone can customize their muffins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you notice they’re drying out a bit, warming them slightly and spreading a bit more cinnamon honey butter brings them back to life.

Freezing

These muffins freeze really well! I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds with a dab of cinnamon honey butter on top.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Adding the cinnamon honey butter after reheating keeps them gooey and super flavorful. I find the oven warming method gives the best texture if time allows.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe really holds a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors with a fantastic texture and a surprising cream cheese center that delights every time. I hope you enjoy baking and eating these as much as I do—they’re a simple way to bring a little celebration to your everyday. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become one of your go-to recipes for pumpkin season and beyond!

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