Pumpkin Spice Almond Flour Muffins

Nothing embodies the essence of fall more than a cozy morning with a cup of piping hot coffee and these delightful Pumpkin Spice Almond Flour Muffins. They are the perfect treat to start your day, especially when you're gearing up for a day of farm chores. The warm spices combined with the rich flavors of pumpkin and almond flour create a comforting and nourishing muffin. And of course, don't forget to layer up before heading out into the crisp autumn air—these muffins will warm you from the inside out!

These gluten-free muffins make them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Almond flour gives them a tender crumb while the pumpkin puree ensures they stay moist and flavorful. Plus, dark chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the spices. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them for a mid-morning snack, these muffins will surely become a fall favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs (farm fresh if possible)
• 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin works perfectly)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons walnut oil (substitute with almond oil or olive oil if needed)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This slightly lower temperature allows the almond flour muffins to bake evenly, ensuring a tender crumb without over-browning.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Whisk the wet ingredients:
   Whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, walnut oil, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. The eggs should be well beaten to incorporate plenty of air, which will help the muffins rise nicely. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor, while the maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that complements the warm spices.

Add the Spices and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix in the spices and dry ingredients:
   Stir in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. These spices are the heart of pumpkin spice, creating that warm, comforting flavor we crave in the fall. Fold in the almond flour once the spices are well mixed into the wet ingredients. Be sure to mix until everything is combined—overmixing can make the muffins dense.

Incorporate the Chocolate Chips

1. Fold in the chocolate chips:
   Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate chips add a rich, decadent element to the muffins, making them feel like a special treat.

Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Line the muffin tin:
   Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. You can also grease the muffin cups with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling them nearly to the top. Smooth out the tops with the back of a spoon to eliminate any bumps and ensure the muffins bake evenly.

Bake the Muffins

1. Bake:
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should spring back slightly when touched.

Cool and Enjoy

1. Cool the muffins:
   Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are delicious warm, letting them cool slightly helps the flavors to meld together. Serve with a pat of butter or enjoy them as is. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Storage

1. Store the muffins:
   Any leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer bag for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.

Additional Tips

• Variations: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of almond butter on top before baking. These variations can add even more flavor and texture to your muffins.
• Serving Suggestions: These muffins pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin spice latte. Drizzle them with maple glaze or melted chocolate for a more decadent treat.
• Gluten-Free Baking: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making these muffins a great option for those avoiding gluten. Almond flour also adds healthy fats and protein, making these muffins more filling than those made with traditional flour.

These Pumpkin Spice Almond Flour Muffins are the perfect way to embrace fall flavors. Their warm spices, moist crumbs, and rich chocolate chips will surely become a staple in your autumn baking routine. Whether enjoying them on a crisp morning before heading out to the farm or sharing them with friends and family, these muffins are a delicious reminder of all the wonderful things this season offers.