Ultimate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping
Fall is officially in the air, and nothing says cozy quite like the smell of warm pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are everything you love about fall wrapped up in one delicious, easy-to-make treat. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with melty chocolate chips and a buttery streusel topping makes these muffins a family favorite in my home.
Whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend breakfast, an after-school snack, or a fall gathering with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, if you’re looking for something quick that uses basic pantry staples, this is your go-to recipe.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Families
I know how hectic life can get, especially with kids running around and packed schedules. That’s why I love this recipe—it’s easy, fast, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part? These muffins can be made ahead and stored, so you always have a delicious snack ready when hunger strikes (or when you need something to pack in the kids’ lunchboxes).
Not to mention, these muffins are super versatile. You can easily swap out the chocolate chips for nuts or even dried fruit, and the streusel topping adds that extra crunch everyone loves. They’re soft, moist, and loaded with fall flavors, making them a must-have for your seasonal baking.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or dairy-free alternative)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin.
6. Bake:
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. If you want the tops to get extra golden and crispy, broil them for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on them!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Muffins
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause your muffins to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
2. Use Pure Pumpkin:
Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices that will affect the taste and texture of your muffins.
3. Make-Ahead Tip:
These muffins freeze beautifully! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the microwave for a quick snack.
4. Customize the Add-Ins:
Not a fan of chocolate chips? No problem! You can substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or even cranberries for a different twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Family-Friendly: It’s a great recipe to get the kids involved in! Let them help with mixing the batter or sprinkling on the streusel topping.
- Perfect for Fall: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, these muffins scream fall and are perfect for cozy mornings.
- Quick and Easy: You can have these muffins ready in under 30 minutes, which is great for busy parents.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are delicious on their own, but they’re also perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
