Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Muffins

Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins are perfectly spiced, moist, and topped with a delicious, crunchy streusel topping. They are so simple to make and flavorful, thanks to plenty of pumpkin and spices. This recipe will become a favorite for all your fall gatherings!

Copycat Dunkin Donut pumpkin muffins recipe

Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins are fluffy and soft, with a delicious streusel topping and a sweet vanilla glaze. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

They have become a staple in Dunkin’s fall line-up, together with glazed pumpkin cake donuts and pumpkin-infused drinks.

I’ve been a huge fan of these donuts for a long time. And after several attempts, I think I mastered the perfect copycat recipe.

With the fall season always so busy, I like to keep things simple. Pumpkin muffins are one of my favorite bakes for fall breakfasts and brunches.

I hope you will enjoy my Dunkin pumpkin muffin recipe as much as we do. Happy fall baking!

Ingredients

Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins are made with over 20 ingredients. You’ll be pleased to know that my at-home version uses only 11 items. And you likely have all of them in your kitchen! Refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Pumpkin: These cozy fall muffins are bursting with pumpkin flavor. You need pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling – the two are very different. I love Libby’s canned pumpkin for all my baking.
• Spices: Pumpkin pie spice pairs perfectly with the muffins and delivers a warming aroma to every bite. You can easily make your own if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice. Simply combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon + 1/4 tsp ground ginger + 1/4 tsp ground allspice.
• Vanilla extract adds depth of aroma to the muffins and the glaze.
• Brown sugar elevates the flavor. We use brown sugar in both the muffins and the streusel topping.
• Oil keeps the muffins moist and soft for days. Any neutral-tasting vegetable oil will work here.
• Butter: Although Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins don’t contain butter, I find butter creates a richer, more flavorful taste. I used salted butter, but unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt works too.
• Milk adds moisture to the muffins and prevents them from being dry. Any milk is fine, whole, low fat, or dairy-free.
• Eggs bind the muffins together and create a bouncy, tender texture.
• All-purpose flour: I highly recommend measuring the flour with kitchen scales for perfectly tender, moist muffins. Otherwise, employ the spoon and level method (that I explain in the FAQ section below).
• Baking powder gives the muffins lift and rise.
• Powdered sugar makes up the base of the glaze.

How to make Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins

Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins are easy to make at home, yet they look and taste like they are from a bakery. You must try this recipe – your family and friends will love it!

#1: Prep

• Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4.
• Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Set aside.

#2: Mix streusel

• In a small mixing bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice.
• Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is moistened and crumbly.

#3: Combine dry ingredients

• Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl.

#4: Combine wet ingredients

• In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

#5: Mix batter

• Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in 2 additions. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The batter will be thick and lumpy, that is okay.

#6: Fill pan

• Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling 3/4 of the way.
• Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the muffin tops, dividing it evenly among the 12 muffins.

#7: Bake muffins

• Bake the muffins for 22 to 25 minutes. The muffins are ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

#8: Mix glaze

• Whisk together the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the muffins. Allow to cool slightly before serving and enjoy!

How to tell pumpkin muffins are done baking?

To check the muffins, insert a toothpick or skewer into the thickest part of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

If there’s still any liquid batter sticking to the skewer/toothpick, continue baking the muffins for 5 to 10 minutes until the skewer/toothpick comes out clean. Use a new skewer/toothpick for each test.

Baker’s tips

If you want your Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins turn out perfect, follow these tips and tricks!

• Don’t’ overmix: The batter will be lumpy and thick, and that’s exactly what we’re going for with this Dunkin Donuts muffin recipe. Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this will create gluten and lead to dense muffins.
• Use all the streusel: It may seem there’s too much crumble topping for the muffins, but you want to use every last streusel to cover the batter. Some of the crumbs sink and bake into the muffin batter, leaving a delicious layer of buttery streusel on top.
• Don’t overbake: To ensure your pumpkin streusel muffins bake up soft and moist, keep an eye on them as they bake, and don’t leave them in the oven too long. The muffins are done when the tops have risen and domed, and a skewer/toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Drizzle generously: The vanilla glaze adds sweetness, keeps the muffins moist, and helps hold all the streusels together. So don’t be shy and drizzle it on thick!

Variations & mix-ins

My recipe stays true to Dunkin donut muffins, but you are free to add some tasty mix-ins. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize the taste and texture of your pumpkin muffins to your heart’s content.

• Chai spice: Replace pumpkin pie spice with chai spice mix. The cardamom and star anise in chai spice adds so much aroma to the flavor profile of the muffins.
• Maple glaze: For a twist, switch out the vanilla glaze for a maple glaze. To make it, stir together 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp heavy cream.
• Pepitas: Instead of streusel, sprinkle the top of your muffins with pepitas before baking. For the best aroma, toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Chocolate chips: Do you have a sweet tooth? Add 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.
• Dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, and chopped apricots make nice additions to this fall muffin recipe.
• Nuts: For a nice, crunchy texture, stir 1 cup chopped nuts into the batter. I like to use soft varieties like pecans or walnuts.

Storage instructions

How to store Dunkin Donut pumpkin muffins

Store your muffins in an airtight container, a plastic bag, or plastic wrap. They will last on the counter for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for 6 to 7 days.

Reheat Dunkin Donut pumpkin spice muffins

Pumpkin muffins taste extra delicious if you reheat them for 15 to 30 seconds in the microwave before eating. There’s nothing better than a warm pumpkin muffin on a chilly fall day!

Freeze Dunkin Donut pumpkin muffins

Wrap the pumpkin streusel muffins individually in plastic wrap or tin foil, then place them in a freezer-friendly container or large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the muffins without the glaze.

Let thaw on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour. Then put them in the microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Sure! If you feel ambitious, you can absolutely make your own pumpkin puree instead of using canned pumpkin.

Homemade pumpkin puree contains more water than canned. To remove some of that moisture, blot it well with paper towels before adding it to the batter.

Can I make bake this as mini muffins?

Absolutely! The recipe makes 24 to 30 mini muffins. Be sure to line your mini muffin pan with paper liners and adjust the baking time to 12 to 15 minutes.

Why are my pumpkin muffins dry?

There are 2 reasons why your Dunkin Donuts pumpkin muffins may taste dry. First, be sure to measure the flour correctly. Too much flour will absorb all the moisture in the muffins and leaves the muffins dry.

I recommend using a digital scale for the most accurate measurements. If you don’t have one, fluff up the flour in the bag. Then spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level off the excess with a knife.

Second, take care not to overbake the muffins. Not 2 ovens are the same, so watch the baking time and pull the muffins from the oven once the toothpick comes out clean.

More pumpkin treats to try

To all the pumpkin lovers out there, these are for you! We have many more pumpkin recipes to choose from. You’re going to enjoy the warming and comforting flavors in each of these.

• 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
• Classic Pumpkin Pie
• Condensed Milk Pumpkin Bread
• Streusel Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin Pudding

More Muffin Recipes

Muffins are so versatile! Whether you like chocolaty or fruity, you’ll absolutely love these easy muffin recipes.

• Vanilla Muffins
• Pistachio Muffins
• Brown Sugar Muffins
• Bisquick Banana Muffins
• Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
• White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins
• Blackberry Muffins