Every fall, as the leaves start to turn and the air takes on that crisp, familiar chill, I find myself gravitating toward warm, comforting recipes that fill the house with sweet, spiced aromas. Pumpkin season isn’t just about pies and lattes — it’s about bringing a little extra warmth to our kitchens and our hearts.
Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins are one of those special recipes that immediately transport me to cozy mornings spent wrapped in blankets, sipping hot coffee, and watching the trees sway outside the window. They remind me of family gatherings where a basket of fresh muffins would sit proudly on the breakfast table, slightly steaming and begging to be picked up.
Pumpkin has long held a place in autumn celebrations across many cultures, symbolizing abundance and harvest. Pair it with the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar and the delightful crunch of pecans, and you’ve got a muffin that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving brunch, hosting a cozy book club, or simply treating yourself to a seasonal snack, these muffins are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Incredibly moist with just the right amount of sweetness.
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Packed with warm spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.
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Topped with crunchy pecans for texture and rich flavor.
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Easy to make — perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike.
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Freezer-friendly so you can enjoy a taste of fall anytime you like!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 cup chopped pecans
HOW TO MAKE Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it. I personally love using festive fall-themed liners — they just add that little extra touch of seasonal cheer!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is as flavorful as the next.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and milk. Stir until smooth and glossy. I always find it so satisfying watching the batter take on that beautiful deep orange color.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make muffins tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans. The nuts add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist muffin crumb.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle a few extra pecan pieces on top for an extra-pretty presentation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine — spicy, nutty, and sweet all at once.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature — either way, they’re heavenly!
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Don’t overmix! Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened to keep the muffins tender.
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Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Homemade or a good canned version works wonderfully.
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Chop pecans finely if you want a more delicate crunch, or leave them in bigger chunks for a bold, nutty bite.
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Double the batch! These muffins freeze beautifully — just pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 12 muffins
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Category: Breakfast, Snack
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or swapping pecans for walnuts if you prefer. If you like a little extra spice, a pinch of nutmeg or clove can really amp up the cozy flavor.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per Muffin)
Calories: 245
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 2g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure your fresh pumpkin puree is thick and not watery.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for a warm treat.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy delights:
CONCLUSION
Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins aren’t just a recipe — they’re a little piece of autumn magic. Whether you’re baking a batch for your loved ones or just treating yourself to a quiet morning indulgence, these muffins bring all the warmth and nostalgia of fall into your kitchen.
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Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins
Description
Every fall, as the leaves start to turn and the air takes on that crisp, familiar chill, I find myself gravitating toward warm, comforting recipes that fill the house with sweet, spiced aromas. Pumpkin season isn’t just about pies and lattes — it’s about bringing a little extra warmth to our kitchens and our hearts.
Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins are one of those special recipes that immediately transport me to cozy mornings spent wrapped in blankets, sipping hot coffee, and watching the trees sway outside the window. They remind me of family gatherings where a basket of fresh muffins would sit proudly on the breakfast table, slightly steaming and begging to be picked up.
Pumpkin has long held a place in autumn celebrations across many cultures, symbolizing abundance and harvest. Pair it with the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar and the delightful crunch of pecans, and you’ve got a muffin that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving brunch, hosting a cozy book club, or simply treating yourself to a seasonal snack, these muffins are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it. I personally love using festive fall-themed liners — they just add that little extra touch of seasonal cheer!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is as flavorful as the next.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and milk. Stir until smooth and glossy. I always find it so satisfying watching the batter take on that beautiful deep orange color.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make muffins tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans. The nuts add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist muffin crumb.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle a few extra pecan pieces on top for an extra-pretty presentation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine — spicy, nutty, and sweet all at once.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature — either way, they’re heavenly!
Notes
Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or swapping pecans for walnuts if you prefer. If you like a little extra spice, a pinch of nutmeg or clove can really amp up the cozy flavor.