Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 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
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or another healthy oil of your choice)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger).
3. In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
6. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
7. Pour the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy your guilt-free and delicious healthy pumpkin muffins as a wholesome snack or breakfast treat!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness level and add-ins to suit your taste preferences. These muffins are a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall while maintaining a healthy eating routine.