Wash hands with soap and water.

Preheat oven to 400 °F. Spray 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.

Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cereal and milk and set aside for 5 minutes.

Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon, flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. Whisk pumpkin, egg, and vanilla into cereal.

Fold in dry mixture; being careful not to over mix. Spoon into prepared pan and sprinkle with pecans and sugar-cinnamon mixture.