By: Maggie Reef

The season of carving pumpkins, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice is finally here! If you don’t want to go to Starbucks to get a pumpkin spice latte, you can make these delicious pumpkin muffins at home. Whether you are an esteemed baker or have never even touched a spatula, these muffins will turn out great. The recipe is simple and the bake time is only 20-25 minutes, so it won’t take you all day. Here is what you will need: 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup olive oil plus more for oiling muffin pan (unless you use muffin tins)

1 egg

3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

This recipe yields 12 muffins, so if you are making for a large crowd, double or even triple the recipe. I definitely suggest making extra because these are sure to be a crowd pleaser!

STEP ONE:

Start by preheating your oven to 375º. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour,     baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. 

STEP TWO:

In a separate bowl, combine both sugars, pumpkin puree, buttermilk, olive oil, and egg. Whisk or stir well until fully blended. 

STEP THREE:

Reincorporate the dry ingredients until completely combined. If you are using pecans, fold them in now. Scoop the batter into your muffin cups, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The muffins should spring back when lightly touched, or a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Remove them from the pan, and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!