Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin muffins are a fall favorite, boasting a perfect blend of spices and a moist texture. Topped with a crunchy streusel, these muffins are easy to make and bursting with pumpkin flavor. They’re sure to be a hit at all your autumn gatherings!
INGREDIENTS
Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin muffins are known for their complex flavor with over 20 ingredients, but my at-home version simplifies things with just 11 items—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Check the recipe card below for precise measurements.
Pumpkin: For that rich pumpkin flavor, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. I prefer Libby’s canned pumpkin for its consistent quality in baking.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is perfect for these muffins, offering a warm, aromatic touch. If you don’t have it, make your own by mixing 1 tsp ground cinnamon with 1/4 tsp each of ground ginger and ground allspice.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to both the muffins and the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the flavor in both the muffins and the streusel topping.
- Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and soft for days. Any neutral vegetable oil works well here.
- Butter: While Dunkin’ Donuts’ muffins don’t use butter, adding it makes the muffins richer and more flavorful. I use salted butter, but unsalted butter plus 1/4 tsp salt is also fine.
- Milk: Adds moisture and prevents dryness. You can use whole, low-fat, or dairy-free milk.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a tender texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: For the best results, weigh the flour using kitchen scales. If not, use the spoon and level method, which I explain in the FAQ section below.
- Baking Powder: Provides the lift and rise needed for fluffy muffins.
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the sweet glaze.
HOW TO MAKE DUNKIN DONUTS PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin muffins are simple to make at home, yet they taste and look like they came from a bakery. This recipe is a must-try—your family and friends will love it!
#1: Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C or gas mark 4). Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners and set aside.
#2: Make the Streusel In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice. Add melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is moistened and crumbly.
#3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
#4: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
#5: Mix the Batter Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick and lumpy—that’s perfectly fine.
#6: Fill the Muffin Pan Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins.
#7: Bake Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
#8: Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
HOW TO TELL PUMPKIN MUFFINS ARE DONE BAKING?
To test if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the thickest muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. If there is any batter still clinging to the toothpick or skewer, bake the muffins for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, then test again with a fresh toothpick or skewer.
BAKER’S TIPS
For perfect Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin muffins, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: The batter will be lumpy and thick, which is just what we want for these muffins. Avoid over-mixing, as it can develop gluten and result in dense muffins.
- Use All the Streusel: It might seem like there’s too much crumble topping, but use it all! Some of the streusel will sink into the batter, creating a delicious layer of buttery topping.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep your muffins soft and moist, watch them closely while baking. They’re done when the tops are risen and domed, and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Drizzle Generously: The vanilla glaze not only adds sweetness but also helps keep the muffins moist and binds the streusel topping. Don’t hesitate to drizzle it on thick!
VARIATIONS & MIX-INS
- Chai Spice: Swap out the pumpkin pie spice for chai spice mix. The cardamom and star anise in chai spice add a delightful aroma and depth to the muffins.
- Maple Glaze: For a unique twist, replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze. Combine 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp heavy cream.
- Pepitas: Instead of using streusel, top your muffins with pepitas before baking. For extra flavor, toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Chocolate Chips: If you love a sweet touch, mix in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a fruity variation.
- Nuts: Stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
How to Store Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Muffins
Store your muffins in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for 6 to 7 days.
Reheating Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Muffins
For a delicious treat, reheat the muffins in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds before eating. A warm pumpkin muffin is perfect on a crisp fall day!
Freezing Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Muffins
Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or tin foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or large freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the muffins before adding the glaze.
To thaw, let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour, then microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through.
