Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins: A Pull-Apart Fall Treat in Muffin Form

When the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fills the air, you know autumn has truly arrived — and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins. These soft, gooey, spiced muffins take the beloved pull-apart monkey bread concept and transform it into individual, perfectly portioned treats. Each muffin is packed with tender pumpkin-spiced dough pieces, coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, and baked in a muffin tin for a golden, sticky finish that’s impossible to resist.

Ideal for fall breakfasts, holiday brunches, Thanksgiving morning, or Halloween party snacks, these muffins combine the comfort of a cinnamon roll with the seasonal warmth of pumpkin bread. Best of all? They’re easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and deliver all the flavor of a classic monkey bread without the mess of tearing from a bundt pan.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins from scratch. We’ll walk you through a detailed recipe, expert tips for achieving the perfect sticky glaze, variations for gluten-free, vegan, and mini versions, and creative serving ideas. Packed with keywords like “pumpkin spice monkey bread muffins,” “easy fall breakfast ideas,” “spiced pumpkin pull-apart muffins,” and “Halloween or Thanksgiving brunch recipes,” this 1,800+ word article is designed to help you bake a seasonal favorite while boosting your content’s visibility on search engines.

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Why Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins Are the Ultimate Fall Grab-and-Go Treat

These muffins are more than just a breakfast item — they’re a festival of fall flavors in handheld form. Here’s why they’ve become a seasonal sensation:

✅ Individual Portions – No sharing, no mess, perfect for meal prep or party platters.
✅ Gooey & Sticky – Just like classic monkey bread, with a rich cinnamon-sugar butter coating.
✅ Packed with Pumpkin Spice – Warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
✅ Easy to Customize – Use store-bought biscuit dough for a 20-minute version or make from scratch for bakery quality.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike, especially during holiday mornings.

Perfect for:

• Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving breakfast
• Fall brunch buffets
• Halloween party snacks
• Teacher gifts or neighbor treats
• Freezer-friendly meal prep

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The Magic Behind Monkey Bread Muffins

Monkey bread is traditionally made by coating pieces of dough in butter and cinnamon sugar, then baking in a bundt pan so the layers caramelize into a sticky, pull-apart dessert. By using a muffin tin, we turn that concept into individual servings that are:

• Easier to serve
• Faster to bake
• Less messy to eat
• Ideal for portion control

The pumpkin spice twist adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful golden-orange hue — making these muffins a true celebration of autumn.

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Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Makes: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: ~40 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Dough (Option 1: Homemade Biscuit-Style)
(Skip to Option 2 for shortcut)

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ⅓ cup (75g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• ½ cup (120g) canned pumpkin puree (100% pure)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

Option 2: Shortcut Version

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze (For Extra Shine):

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously or line with parchment cups.

Step 2: Make the Dough (Homemade Version)

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, mix oil, pumpkin puree, egg, and milk until smooth.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into small pieces (about 1-inch chunks) — no need to roll.

Shortcut Version: Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces.

Step 3: Coat the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix melted butter with sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
2. Dip each dough piece into the butter mixture, coating well, then place into muffin cups. Fill each cup ¾ full with coated pieces.

Pro Tip: Use two forks or a spoon to toss and coat — it’s messy but worth it!

Step 4: Bake Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The tops should be crisp and sticky.

Step 5: Cool Slightly & Glaze (Optional) Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and gently remove.

For extra decadence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

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Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread Muffins

1. Grease the Pan Well
   These are sticky by design — use butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
   Keep it tender by mixing just until combined.
3. Use Real Pumpkin Puree
   Not pumpkin pie filling — it’s too sweet and spiced.
4. Double the Coating for More Flavor
   Roll dough pieces twice in the butter-sugar mix for extra gooeyness.
5. Serve Warm
   They’re best fresh out of the oven or reheated for 30 seconds.
6. Add-Ins (Optional)
   Stir in:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

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Variations & Dietary Swaps

1. Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the homemade dough. For the shortcut version, look for GF biscuit dough (rare, but available in some stores).

2. Vegan Version

• Use vegan butter or coconut oil
• Replace egg with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• Use plant-based milk and ensure sugar is vegan
• Choose vegan biscuit dough if using shortcut

3. Lower Sugar Option
Reduce sugar in coating to ½ cup and skip the glaze. Use coconut sugar for a less refined option.

4. Mini Muffin Version
Use a mini muffin tin and bake 12–15 minutes. Perfect for parties or snacks.

5. Canned Crescent Roll Dough
Use a can of crescent rolls cut into pieces — softer texture, quicker prep.

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Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days. Reheat to restore stickiness.
• Freezing: Freeze un-glazed muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: 325°F for 8–10 minutes — crisps up perfectly.
• Microwave: 20–30 seconds (may soften coating).
• Air Fryer: 300°F for 4–5 minutes — best for restoring crunch.

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Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

☕ Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with coffee, chai, or apple cider.
🍯 With Cream Cheese Dip: Mix cream cheese with honey and cinnamon for dipping.
🍂 Holiday Morning Spread: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
🎁 Gifts in a Jar: Layer dry ingredients in a mason jar with a tag: “Add ½ cup pumpkin + 1 egg + ¼ cup milk.”
🧁 Dessert Style: Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.

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Why This Recipe is SEO-Optimized

This article is crafted to rank for seasonal and breakfast-related searches. It includes:

• Primary Keywords: “pumpkin spice monkey bread muffins,” “monkey bread muffins,” “pumpkin pull-apart muffins”
• Secondary Keywords: “easy fall breakfast ideas,” “spiced pumpkin muffins,” “Thanksgiving brunch recipes,” “Halloween party snacks”
• Long-Tail Keywords: “how to make pumpkin spice monkey bread muffins,” “best sticky pumpkin muffin recipe,” “easy fall baking ideas for holidays”

These keywords are naturally integrated into headings, subheadings, and body text to improve search visibility while keeping the content engaging and helpful.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
A: No — it contains added sugar and spices. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree only.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked muffins overnight. Bake in the morning for fresh, warm treats.

Q: Why are my muffins dry?
A: Overbaking or overmixing. Bake just until set and mix until just combined.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes — the cinnamon-sugar coating is sweet enough on its own.

Q: Can I use cake mix for the dough?
A: Yes! Use a spice or yellow cake mix with pumpkin and egg for a quick version.

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Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Autumn Comfort

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Muffins are more than just a breakfast — they’re a celebration of fall in every sticky, spiced bite. With their soft interior, crunchy-sweet crust, and warm pumpkin aroma, they capture the essence of cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, and seasonal joy.

Whether you’re using homemade dough or a store-bought shortcut, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, with gluten-free, vegan, and mini versions, everyone can enjoy a muffin this season.

So preheat your oven, grab a can of pumpkin, and let the sweet scent of cinnamon and spice fill your kitchen. One pull-apart bite, and you’ll understand why these muffins are a must-bake every autumn.

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