Pecan Pie Muffins

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or whole milk

For the Pecan Topping:

¾ cup (85g) chopped pecans
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

💡 Pro Tips:
Toast pecans at 350°F for 8 mins—deepens flavor!
Don’t overmix batter—keeps muffins tender.
Use room-temperature eggs/milk—prevents curdling.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Buttery, Nutty, Foolproof)

1. Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.

2. Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Set aside.

3. Make the Batter

Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until combined.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for extra nuttiness inside).

4. Fill & Top

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (fill to top for bakery-style domes).
Sprinkle each with 1–2 tsp pecan topping, pressing gently.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

☕ Classic: Warm with coffee or tea
🍯 Decadent: Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup
🧈 Breakfast twist: Spread with cinnamon butter
🎄 Holiday plate: Alongside cranberry scones or spiced cider

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Room temperature: Keeps up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Fridge: Up to 5 days—reheat 10 seconds in microwave.
Freeze: Wrap individually; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 GF flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill).

Q: Can I use walnuts?
A: Yes—but pecans are traditional for their buttery sweetness.

Q: Muffins too dense?
A: Ensure baking powder is fresh—and don’t overmix!

Q: No buttermilk?
A: Mix ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; let sit 5 mins.

❤️ The Heart of the Muffin

Pecan Pie Muffins aren’t just dessert—they’re a celebration of comfort in handheld form. They’re what you bake when you want to share holiday joy without the stress, or when you need a little sweetness that feels like home.

So chop those pecans, swirl that batter, and bake with love. Because the best treats aren’t complicated—they’re nutty, buttery, and made with love.