Costco Pumpkin Muffin Recipe – Fall Baking Made Easy

Like the crisp air that signals autumn’s arrival, the Costco Pumpkin Muffin recipe invites you to welcome the cozy vibes of the season. You’ll appreciate how easily these muffins transform your kitchen into a warm, inviting space filled with the aroma of pumpkin and spices. With just a few straightforward steps, you can whip up a treat that not only delights your taste buds but also brings nostalgia for those store-bought favorites. Curious about the secrets behind achieving that perfect texture and flavor? Let’s investigate what makes this recipe a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall. With its warm spices and comforting textures, this pumpkin muffin recipe is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. It’s not just a delicious treat; it’s versatile, too! You can serve these muffins for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s a copycat version of Costco’s famous pumpkin muffins. You can replicate that beloved taste right in your kitchen. Using key ingredients like canned pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—ensures you get the authentic flavor. The addition of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon brings that classic fall aroma. Notably, high demand for these muffins often leads to frequent stock shortages at Costco, further emphasizing their popularity.

The muffins stay moist and tender thanks to sour cream and vegetable oil. In terms of preparation, the steps are straightforward. You simply mix the dry ingredients, combine them with the wet ones, and you’re almost done.

Don’t forget the delicious crumb topping, made from flour, sugar, and cinnamon, for that extra crunch. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, and you’re set to enjoy your homemade fall delight!

History

Costco’s pumpkin muffins have become a beloved seasonal treat for many, marking the arrival of fall. These muffins have been part of Costco’s lineup since at least 2012, making them a well-known favorite among shoppers. You can usually find them on the shelves from September to December, with their popularity peaking in the heart of autumn.

Curiously, there was an early release noted in late August 2022, hinting at the love people have for pumpkin flavors as soon as summer wraps up.

These muffins aren’t just tasty; they’re convenient. Sold in packs of six, or two packs for $7.99, they offer a quick alternative for those who don’t want to bake at home. Additionally, Costco’s focus on maintaining consistent quality and flavor across their bakery products contributes significantly to their appeal, showcasing the strength of customer loyalty.

With a tender, flavorful texture and a satisfying crumb topping, it’s no wonder they’re highly sought after during the fall season. Each bite embodies the essence of pumpkin spice, satisfying the demand for seasonal treats. For many, grabbing a pack at Costco signals the start of fall festivities, bringing the comforting flavors of the season right to your kitchen table with ease.

Recipe

Costco Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

Indulging in homemade pumpkin muffins is a delightful way to welcome the fall season. With their moist texture and warm spices, these muffins encapsulate the essence of autumn right in your kitchen. This recipe is an adaptation of the beloved Costco pumpkin muffins, featuring a blend of rich pumpkin puree, invigorating spices, and a crumbly topping that sets them apart. These muffins are a limited time offering available at select Costco Warehouses and are ideal for pairing with coffee or as a quick snack. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. This easy-to-follow recipe yields six jumbo muffins that won’t only fill your home with a cozy aroma but also satisfy your taste buds. Whether you serve them plain or with whipped cream or ice cream, these muffins are sure to become a favorite. Let’s gather our ingredients and get baking!

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
– Granulated sugar (amount varies, see instructions)
– Brown sugar (amount varies, see instructions)
– 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
– Eggs (amount varies, see instructions)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Oil (amount varies, see instructions)
– 1/2 cup flour (for crumb topping)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your 6 jumbo muffin cups by greasing them or lining them with muffin liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, sour cream, oil, and brown sugar. Whisk the mixture until well blended and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Confirm that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
5. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing 1/2 cup of flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to combine the mixture until coarse crumbs form.
7. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin cup filled with batter.
8. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Extra Tips:
For best results, make certain all your ingredients, especially the eggs and sour cream, are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and improve the muffin’s texture.

If you choose to make regular-sized muffins instead of jumbo, be prepared to adjust your baking time to around 18-22 minutes. Don’t forget to check doneness with a toothpick, as oven temperatures may vary!

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they’re likely to be enjoyed much sooner!

Final Thoughts

As you welcome the flavors of autumn, these Costco-inspired pumpkin muffins offer a simple yet satisfying treat that captures the season’s essence. By using key ingredients like canned pumpkin, dark brown sugar, and essential spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, you can create moist, flavorful muffins. These muffins pack 340 calories each, with 43g total carbs and only 4g of protein. They’re influenced by fall’s earthy, warm flavors, incorporating spices that evoke comfort and coziness. Experiment with additions like walnuts or dried fruits for texture. Healthy fats like those found in certain muffin ingredients can contribute positively to your diet.

When baking, consider using a jumbo muffin tin for larger treats. Topping your muffins with streusel adds a delightful crunch. Remember to check for doneness; they should spring back when tapped. Welcome the season by sharing these muffins with friends or family at gatherings. Their familiarity can evoke fond memories while offering a tasty indulgence. You can also investigate other seasonal recipes, like apple cranberry crumble or autumn spice cake, to expand your baking repertoire.

These pumpkin muffins are an excellent way to welcome fall’s flavors while enjoying a simple baking experience. Enjoy your seasonal baking adventure!

FAQ

If you’ve got questions about making these delicious pumpkin muffins, you’re in the right place. Here are common inquiries you might have.

First, be sure to use Libby’s Pure Pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter will change the muffins’ flavor considerably.

When mixing, combine wet and dry ingredients gently. This helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to gummy muffins.

Next, what if your muffins are dry? You might be overbaking them. Check around 25 minutes and use a toothpick to see if they’re done.

Also, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days to keep them fresh.

For that Costco-style muffin, a jumbo muffin tin is key. This recipe yields six jumbo muffins, perfect for satisfying cravings.

If you want that extra crunch, don’t skip the crumb topping. Just mix flour, sugars, and cinnamon, then blend in some melted butter. Resting the batter for 15 minutes before baking enhances the final texture of your muffins significantly.

Finally, feel free to dust the tops with powdered sugar after they cool for added sweetness.

With these tips, you’re ready to bake and enjoy your pumpkin muffins!