Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and easy removal of the cupcakes after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This careful blending ensures that the spices are well distributed throughout, leading to consistently flavored cupcakes.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth. The pumpkin provides both moisture and flavor, creating a rich base for the cupcakes.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into the Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and stir just until combined. This technique prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures that the cupcakes rise properly and do not overflow.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. This indicates that the cupcakes are fully baked and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 7: Cool the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Frost with your choice of cream cheese or buttercream frosting before serving. Each type of frosting brings its own unique complement to the pumpkin spice flavor.