Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

I absolutely love how the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe comes together so beautifully every time I make it. There’s something magical about the cozy pumpkin flavor paired with warm spices, and that crumbly streusel topping adds the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch. These muffins are just the thing to brighten up your breakfast table or impress your friends at a weekend brunch.

When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t sure if the cinnamon honey butter would really make a difference, but it totally does! Spreading that silky, sweet butter on a warm muffin? Divine. Plus, making these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe is straightforward enough for an easy weeknight bake but special enough for holiday mornings. You’ll find these muffins quickly becoming a favorite in your recipe lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin puree and warm spices blend to create a comforting fall taste that feels like a hug in muffin form.
  • Cream Cheese Surprise: Each muffin has a creamy cube of cream cheese in the center for a delightful, melty surprise.
  • Cinnamon Honey Butter Finish: The homemade cinnamon honey butter elevates these muffins from simple to irresistible.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s weekday breakfast, brunch with friends, or a festive holiday treat, these muffins hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe is how simple pantry staples come together to form a rich, flavorful treat. Most of the ingredients are common baking essentials, and pumpkin puree brings it all home with a seasonal touch.

  • Salted butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for the best flavor and that perfect buttery richness in both the muffins and the cinnamon honey butter.
  • Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds molasses notes that complement the pumpkin’s earthiness.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a splash amps up the overall flavor beautifully.
  • Eggs: They bind ingredients and give the muffins that tender crumb.
  • Pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best taste and texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture without weighing the muffins down.
  • All-purpose flour: Essential for structure — plus an extra bit for the streusel topping.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners give your muffins that lovely rise and fluffy texture.
  • Cinnamon & pumpkin pie spice: The perfect partner spices to boost the pumpkin flavor.
  • Kosher salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Cream cheese: Cubed and tucked inside each muffin for a gooey surprise.
  • Honey: Natural sweetness sets off the cinnamon honey butter perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve played with a few tweaks to suit different moods or dietary needs, and it’s fun to make it your own.

  • Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a gluten-free flour blend once, and the muffins still came out soft and delicious—perfect for guests with sensitivities.
  • Add Nuts or Seeds: Chopped pecans or walnuts mix beautifully into the streusel for extra crunch and flavor—I recommend toasting them lightly first.
  • Dairy-Free Butter Alternative: Using a plant-based butter lets you enjoy the recipe vegan-style without losing that rich buttery texture.
  • Spice it Up: For a little extra warmth, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground cloves—gives it that complex fall flavor I adore.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tins and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 16-cup muffin tin with paper liners—this makes cleanup easier and your muffins come out with a neat, classic look. I find using good quality liners helps prevent sticking, making those beautiful muffins easy to enjoy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next comes the pumpkin puree and milk — beat these in until your mixture is creamy and smooth. This part always reminds me of how cozy and festive pumpkin baking feels!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, and stir gently on low speed — or fold by hand — just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here to keep your muffins nice and tender.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Here’s where the magic happens. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to rub in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture turns crumbly. Don’t rush this — those little butter bits create that coveted crumbly topping that melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

Dollop spoonfuls of batter into each muffin liner, filling about two-thirds full. Then, gently press one cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin—this gives you that creamy surprise bite. Finally, sprinkle the streusel generously over the tops. I always smile at this step because the streusel promises that delicious crunch in every bite!

Step 6: Bake and Make Cinnamon Honey Butter

Bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding cream cheese) comes out clean. While they’re baking, whisk together softened butter, honey, and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon honey butter. This butter is a showstopper, so don’t skip it! I always make a little extra for spreading.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the muffins cool slightly before serving warm with a generous smear of cinnamon honey butter. If you want to get fancy, melt the butter for easy spreading. Trust me, these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe takes breakfast or snack time to a new level of cozy comfort.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I’ve found that eggs and butter at room temp blend more smoothly, helping the batter come together without lumps.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a classic baking tip but crucial here—you want to see just a few streaks of flour rather than a completely uniform mix to keep muffins tender.
  • Keep Butter Cold for Streusel: Cold butter creates that crumbly topping texture we all love, so resist the urge to soften it before mixing.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temps vary, so start checking at 25 minutes to avoid drying out your muffins; moist is exactly what you want!

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

A close-up of three muffins sitting on a white marbled surface with wooden texture around it, topped with a crumbly light brown streusel layer that looks crunchy. One muffin in the middle is partially unwrapped, with its soft, moist, and golden-yellow inside exposed, showing a rough texture. Two cinnamon sticks lie diagonally next to the muffins on the marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, keeping focus on the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with just a schmear of the cinnamon honey butter, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a bit of charm without overpowering the flavors. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top is also delightful for texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to bring out the spices. For brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and make a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I once arranged these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe on a wooden board with mini jars of the cinnamon honey butter for guests to help themselves. You can also wrap individual muffins in parchment with a cinnamon stick as a rustic gift or party favor — always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! Keeping them covered well makes sure they stay soft and moist instead of drying out.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze these muffins after they’ve cooled completely. I wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully and thaw quickly when you want a treat.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover or thawed muffins is in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to warm through without drying. Then, I spread a little extra cinnamon honey butter on top while warm—just heavenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in this recipe?

    I recommend using pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling because the filling contains added sugars and spices which can alter the texture and taste of the muffins. Pure pumpkin gives you control over the sweetness and spice level, making for a better texture and flavor outcome.

  2. Can I make the cinnamon honey butter ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The cinnamon honey butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before serving, or give it a quick whisk to bring back the creamy texture.

  3. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

    Using high-quality, non-stick paper liners helps a lot. Also, letting the muffins cool completely before removing them from the liners reduces sticking. If you find sticking is still an issue, lightly greasing the liners before adding batter can help.

  4. Can I double this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe?

    Yes! This is a great recipe to double for parties or gift-giving. Just be sure to use two muffin tins and rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

  5. Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?

    You can substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The cinnamon honey butter can be made with a dairy-free spread as well. The texture will stay moist and delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe has become a true favorite in my home, especially during the cooler months when I crave that warm, spiced comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe I circle back to again and again because it never disappoints, and the cinnamon honey butter adds that extra cozy magic I can’t get enough of. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these muffins as much as I do because they really are a little slice of happiness in every bite.

Print
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Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 16 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel and served with a luscious cinnamon honey butter. Perfect for fall breakfasts or cozy snack times, these muffins combine warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a sweet cream cheese surprise in every bite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Muffins

  • 12 tbsp salted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Streusel

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp cold salted butter, cubed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cut into 16 cubes

Cinnamon Honey Butter

  • 4 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 16 muffin tins with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending each fully before adding the next. Stir in pumpkin puree and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix at low speed or gently fold until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
  4. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to work the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs resembling wet sand.
  5. Fill Muffin Tins and Add Cream Cheese: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared liners. Press one cube of cream cheese into the center of each muffin for a delicious surprise inside.
  6. Add Streusel: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture over the tops of the muffins to create a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping.
  7. Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except the cream cheese area).
  8. Make Cinnamon Honey Butter: While muffins bake, combine softened butter, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  9. Serve: Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. Spread with the cinnamon honey butter for an extra layer of flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use canned pumpkin puree for consistent texture and flavor.
  • Ensure cream cheese cubes are well chilled to prevent melting into the batter too quickly.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain muffin tenderness.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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