Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist pumpkin muffins infused with warm cinnamon and studded with dark chocolate chunks for a cozy seasonal treat. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 37 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 12 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks.
  5. Step 5: Divide batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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