Bite-Size Pumpkin Muffin Balls

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

These bite-size pumpkin muffin balls offer a moist, tender treat packed with pure pumpkin and aromatic spices. Prepared with flour, two sugars, eggs, oil, and warm cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this easy mix comes together quickly. Bake in a mini muffin tin then roll warm muffin balls in cinnamon-sugar coating for extra flavor. Enjoy as a cozy snack or for a festive breakfast. The muffin balls freeze well, and you may customize with mini chocolate chips or pecans. Suitable for vegetarian diets and easily made gluten-free—these mini delights deliver satisfying autumnal flavor in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:59:00 GMT
Delicious bite-size pumpkin muffin balls topped with cinnamon sugar for a festive treat.  Pin this
Delicious bite-size pumpkin muffin balls topped with cinnamon sugar for a festive treat. | recipeshood.com

Delightful, moist mini muffin balls packed with pumpkin flavor and warm spices—perfect for snacking or a festive breakfast treat.

I was inspired to create this recipe when I wanted a fall treat that was both convenient and satisfying. These bite-size muffin balls became an instant hit with everyone who tried them, especially during cozy autumn mornings.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar (packed), 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (180 g) canned pumpkin purée, 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional Coating: 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare Tin:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and fold gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Portion Batter:
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the muffin balls cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Coating:
While still warm, brush each ball with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Savory mini pumpkin muffin balls, golden and fluffy, perfect for snacking or breakfast.  Pin this
Savory mini pumpkin muffin balls, golden and fluffy, perfect for snacking or breakfast. | recipeshood.com

These pumpkin muffin balls are always requested by my family for weekend breakfasts. Watching everyone grab a handful and smile makes baking them totally worthwhile.

Required Tools

Mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small cookie scoop or spoon, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs. Contains dairy if coating with butter. Always check ingredient labels for allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70. Total Fat: 3.5 g. Carbohydrates: 9 g. Protein: 1 g per muffin ball.

Warm, spiced pumpkin muffin balls served on a cooling rack, inviting and delightful. Pin this
Warm, spiced pumpkin muffin balls served on a cooling rack, inviting and delightful. | recipeshood.com

Enjoy these cute pumpkin muffin balls fresh with a cup of coffee or pack them for a snack on the go. Their bite-size appeal makes them great for sharing at any gathering.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Yes, cooked and cooled fresh pumpkin purée works well. Drain excess moisture for best texture.

How do I achieve a tender texture?

Fold wet ingredients gently into dry, avoid overmixing, and bake until just cooked for soft, moist muffin balls.

What if I want to make these gluten free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for comparable results.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts such as pecans enhance flavor and add delightful texture to the muffin balls.

How do I store muffin balls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or freeze for longer freshness. Reheat gently to serve.

Is the cinnamon-sugar coating essential?

The coating is optional but adds extra sweetness and warmth. Try with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Bite-Size Pumpkin Muffin Balls

Moist pumpkin muffin balls with warm spices, ideal for breakfast or snacking. Soft, flavorful, and bite-sized.

Prep Duration
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Julia Harris


Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
10 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup canned pumpkin purée
02 1/3 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until even.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add wet mixture to dry ingredients; gently fold by hand until just incorporated without overmixing.

Step 05

Portion Batter: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cup in muffin tin about three-quarters full.

Step 06

Bake Muffin Balls: Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

Step 07

Cool Muffin Balls: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for further cooling.

Step 08

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Coating: If desired, while muffins are warm, brush each with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small cookie scoop or spoon
  • Wire rack

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs.
  • Butter coating introduces dairy.
  • Verify product labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 1 g