Glazed Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe

These Glazed Pumpkin Donut Muffins are a delightful fusion of warm, spiced pumpkin muffins and sweet, glazed donuts. Perfect for the autumn season, these treats combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the indulgent taste of a glazed donut. The moist, fluffy muffins are infused with the richness of pumpkin puree and topped with a velvety vanilla glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a festive snack for your next gathering, these Glazed Pumpkin Donut Muffins are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 – 3 Tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for 30 seconds. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend together pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter, 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp vegetable oil and continue whipping until well combined.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending just until combined after each addition. Add the vanilla extract with the second egg.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber or silicone spatula, work in three separate batches. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture alternating with half of the pumpkin mixture and fold just until combined after each addition.
7. Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup nearly full.
8. Bake Muffins: Bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the muffins to rest several minutes in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes.
9. Prepare Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Glaze Muffins: Dip the tops of nearly cool muffins into the glaze, allowing excess to run off. Return the muffins upright onto the wire rack and allow the glaze to set at room temperature.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh to get the best flavor out of your muffins.
2. Don’t Overmix: Fold the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain the muffins’ texture.
3. Cool Properly: Allow the muffins to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
4. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Double Dip for Extra Glaze: For an extra-golden glaze, dip the muffins a second time after the first layer has set.
6. Store Airtight: Store the muffins in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Variations:

1. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the muffins before baking for an extra crunchy topping.
2. Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze by whisking in a tablespoon of maple syrup into the powdered sugar mixture.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice Glaze: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the glaze for an extra layer of pumpkin flavor.
4. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed muffins for a chocolate-pumpkin combination.
5. Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the muffins before baking for added texture.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
These Glazed Pumpkin Donut Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the health benefits of pumpkin puree with the indulgence of a glazed donut. The pumpkin puree adds fiber and vitamins, while the Greek yogurt contributes protein. The glaze, though sweet, is relatively low in fat compared to other glazes. Enjoy these muffins as a special treat during the fall season, knowing they offer a balance of flavors and nutrients.