Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Muffins
Soft, moist pumpkin muffins flavored with warm fall spices and studded with juicy cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert. Not overly sweet and beautifully aromatic.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20–22 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp pumpkin spice
(or use 1 tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger)
Wet Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
¾ cup fresh or dried cranberries
(if dried, roughly chopped)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.
3. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
Do not over mix — the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Fold in the cranberries evenly.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (fill about ¾ full).
7. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🌟 Tips for Best Muffins
Toss cranberries with 1 tsp flour before adding → prevents sinking
Use pure pumpkin purée only
For bakery-style tops, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking
Let muffins cool slightly — flavor improves as they rest
🔄 Variations
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter version
Replace oil with applesauce for a lighter muffin
❓ Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, as long as it’s 100% pumpkin purée.
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: Fresh or dried cranberries?
Both work. Fresh are more tart; dried are sweeter.
🥗 Approximate Nutrition
Calories: ~190
Carbohydrates: ~26g
Fat: ~8g
Protein: ~4g