Save Decadent, bite-sized muffin balls featuring flaky layers, spiced pumpkin, rich maple syrup, and a hint of bourbon are the perfect autumn dessert for cozy gatherings or as a unique sweet treat.
The first time I made these muffin balls, my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of fall spices and maple. Everyone gathered around before they even cooled, excited to try each glazed, golden bite.
Ingredients
- Muffin Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter cubed, 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp (30 ml) bourbon, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Flaky Layer Coating: 1 sheet (about 225 g) ready-made puff pastry thawed, 2 tbsp (30 g) melted butter
- Maple Bourbon Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp (15 ml) bourbon, 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) milk as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cut In Butter:
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, bourbon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add wet ingredients to dry and gently fold until just combined (do not overmix).
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Roll small balls (about 2 tablespoons each) of muffin dough.
- Wrap Balls:
- Cut puff pastry into strips. Wrap each dough ball with a strip, overlapping. Brush with melted butter.
- Bake:
- Place balls on sheet spaced 1 inch apart. Bake 16–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Make Glaze:
- While balls bake, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and enough milk for thick, pourable glaze.
- Finish & Serve:
- Cool balls 5 minutes. Drizzle or dip in glaze before serving.
Save My nieces helped brush the melted butter on each pastry-wrapped muffin ball and insisted on choosing their favorite drizzle style. We laughed a lot and made a sweet fall memory together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, and whisk are all you need to bring this cozy dessert together.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), and may contain traces of tree nuts if added. Puff pastry packaging may also list other allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 26 g, Protein: 3 g.
Save Serve warm for the flakiest layers and best maple glaze flavor. These muffin balls bring the taste and spirit of fall to every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I omit bourbon for a non-alcoholic option?
Yes, simply leave out the bourbon and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
- → How do I achieve the flakiest muffin balls?
Wrap the dough thoroughly in puff pastry strips and brush generously with melted butter before baking.
- → What’s the ideal serving temperature?
These are best served warm to highlight their flaky texture and rich flavors. Reheat briefly if needed.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Chopped pecans or walnuts work well and add a pleasant crunch. Mix into the dough or sprinkle before serving.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all main ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always verify puff pastry is vegetarian if needed.