1-Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Getting started with pumpkin cinnamon muffins is as easy as preheating your oven and mixing a few bowls. Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (177°C) and preparing a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray for even baking.

2-Whisk dry ingredients: Next, whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl: flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps distribute the flavors evenly, setting the base for moist, flavorful muffins.

3-Mix wet ingredients and combine: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, then add the egg, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and milk. Combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring just until blended to keep the texture light.

4-Fill and bake muffins: Spoon the thick batter into the muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness, then cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

5-Apply the cinnamon-sugar coating: Once cooled slightly, dip each warm muffin in melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mix. For more ideas on complementary dishes, try this recipe for a hearty side: summer squash corn chowder, which pairs well with fall baking.