Pin A delightful fusion of autumnal pumpkin muffins, crunchy pretzel sticks, and classic smores flavors, these fun, portable treats are perfect for parties or cozy gatherings.
I first tried these Smores Pumpkin Pretzel Muffin Sticks at a family get-together and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. Everyone loved how the pretzel stick made them easy to grab and eat.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/2 cup (110 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Pretzel rods: 12 large
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (90 g)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp (15 g)
- Mini marshmallows: 1/2 cup (30 g)
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1/4 cup (20 g)
Instructions
- Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Muffin Liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Add Pretzel Rods:
- Insert a pretzel rod upright into the center of each muffin.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffins (not the pretzel) comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Decorate Muffins:
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled muffins.
- Add Toppings:
- Top each muffin with mini marshmallows and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Optional Toasting:
- Optional: Toast the marshmallows gently with a kitchen torch until golden.
Pin Our kids love inserting the pretzel rods and decorating their own muffin sticks. These treats always become a memorable highlight on chilly afternoons at home.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, muffin tin and liners, microwave-safe bowl, spoon or piping bag (for drizzling chocolate), kitchen torch (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (flour, pretzels), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain soy (chocolate). Contains gluten and possible traces of peanuts or tree nuts (check chocolate and pretzels). Always check labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 235, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin Enjoy these muffin sticks warm for best flavor. They're sure to bring smiles to any autumn gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → What makes these muffin sticks unique?
The blend of pumpkin-spiced muffins with crunchy pretzel rods and classic smores toppings creates playful, hand-held treats.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and decorate the sticks in advance. Store airtight for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Substitute gluten-free flour and pretzel rods to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor or texture.
- → How do you get gooey marshmallows?
Add a few chopped marshmallows into the batter before baking and use a kitchen torch to gently toast the tops after decorating.
- → Can kids help with the process?
Children will love helping with mixing, decorating, and assembling the pretzel rods and topping with marshmallows and chocolate.
- → Is it possible to use different chocolate?
Yes, swap out semi-sweet chocolate for white or milk chocolate chips to suit individual tastes.
