Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Maple Glaze

These delightful pumpkin muffins blend traditional fall flavors with a touch of creativity. Infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious maple glaze, they offer a moist texture and a sweet, comforting taste, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The recipe is vegetarian and can be made dairy-free if desired.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the muffins cool, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the maple syrup and powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and let it set before serving.