Savor the blend of chai spice, pumpkin, cheddar, and pretzels in these bite-sized, autumn-inspired pops.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon chai spice mix (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon each ground cloves, cardamom, and allspice)
06 - 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
12 - 1/2 cup whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cheese
14 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
→ For Finishing
15 - 1/4 cup crushed pretzels
16 - 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
17 - 16 lollipop sticks (optional, for pops)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup generously.
02 - In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chai spice mix, and 1/2 cup crushed pretzels.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Add wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Gently incorporate the grated cheddar cheese into the batter.
06 - Portion batter evenly into prepared mini muffin tins, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle the top of each portion with additional crushed pretzels and grated cheddar cheese.
08 - Place the muffin tin in the center of the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—insert into the center and ensure it comes out clean.
09 - Allow muffin pops to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further.
10 - Once muffins have reached room temperature or are slightly warm, carefully insert a lollipop stick into the center of each muffin for serving, if desired. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
