Pistachio muffins are the ultimate treat for nut lovers who enjoy the joy of creating delicious treats! These bakery-style muffins are irresistibly moist, loaded with real pistachios, and feature a vibrant green hue that makes them as eye-catching as they are delicious.

If you love muffins, you’ll also enjoy this recipe for Easy Pumpkin Banana Muffins—a moist, flavorful blend of fall-inspired flavors.
This foolproof recipe guarantees success every time. Stick around to discover all the secrets for the perfect pistachio muffins, plus pro tips to elevate your muffin-making skills!
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Why You’ll Love These Pistachio Muffins
- Quick and Easy: You whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking.
- Nutty and Sweet: The earthy pistachio flavor paired with a hint of almond extract creates a flavor profile that’s simply addictive.
- Gorgeous Green Hue: Naturally green pistachio muffins are as pretty as they are delicious, amazing for St. Patrick’s Day or just to impress guests.
- Customizable: You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a streusel topping to make them your own.

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Equipment You’ll Need for Pistachio Muffins
Here’s a list of tools and equipment to make your baking process smooth:
Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin for perfectly shaped muffins.
Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
Whisk: To blend dry and wet ingredients evenly.
Spatula: For folding the batter without overmixing.
Cookie Scoop or Spoons: For evenly dividing the batter into the muffin tin.
Cooling Rack: To cool your muffins evenly after baking.
Ingredients Needed for Pistachio Muffins
Most of these are pantry staples, with a couple of standout ingredients that bring the pistachio magic to life:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (adds a hint of caramel richness)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for a subtle nutty kick)
Special Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup pistachio pudding mix (for extra moisture and vibrant color; optional but highly recommended)

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How to Make Pistachio Muffins
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C):
You start by getting your oven hot and ready. You line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or you grease the cups to prevent sticking. Getting this step done first saves time later.
2️⃣ Prepare your dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, you whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pistachio pudding mix (if using). This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and flavor. Pro tip: You sift your ingredients for an extra light texture.


3️⃣ Combine your wet ingredients:
In a bowl, you mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. You crack the eggs into the mixture, one at a time, whisking well after each. Then, you stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract for a creamy, aromatic base.
4️⃣ Mix the batter:
Gradually, you add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, you fold them together gently—overmixing can make the muffins dense. The batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s totally okay. Finally, you fold in the chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch in every bite.


5️⃣ Fill the muffin tin:
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, you divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, and filling each about three-quarters full. You sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top for extra texture and a pop of color.
6️⃣ Bake the muffins:
You place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Pro tip: You rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

7️⃣ Cool and enjoy:
You let the muffins cool in the tin for 6 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for a soft, buttery texture or let them cool completely to enhance their flavor.


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Tips for the Best Pistachio Muffins
Don’t Skip the Almond Extract: This little addition enhances the nutty flavor and makes the pistachio flavor pop.
Room Temperature Ingredients: You ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and better rise.
Chop Pistachios Finely: You finely chop the pistachios to distribute them more evenly, so every bite has that nutty crunch.
Use High-Quality Pudding Mix: If you opt for the pudding mix, you choose a trusted brand like Jell-O to avoid artificial aftertastes.
Make It Healthier: You swap half the flour for whole wheat flour or add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for a fiber boost.
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What to Serve with Pistachio Muffins
These muffins shine on their own but pair beautifully with other dishes for a complete meal or snack spread:
- Hot Drinks: You serve them with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with berries and citrus complements the nutty flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: You add a dollop of honey-sweetened Greek yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast.
Looking for more pairings? Check out our recipes for Berry Parfaits and Cinnamon Maple Latte.

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How to Store and Freeze Pistachio Muffins
How to Store Pistachio Muffins:
You store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra moist, you place a paper towel in your container to absorb excess moisture.
Can You Freeze Pistachio Muffins?
Absolutely! You should wrap each muffin apart in plastic wrap and you place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, you leave them at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
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How to Reheat Pistachio Muffins
- Microwave: You warm a muffin on high for 20 seconds. Place a damp paper towel over it to retain moisture.
- Oven: You reheat at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap in foil to avoid drying out.
- Air Fryer: You pop a muffin in at 300°F for 3-4 minutes for a freshly baked texture.
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Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: You use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make the muffins gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: You swap the butter for coconut oil and the milk for your favorite almond or oat milk.
- Add-Ins: You mix in white chocolate chips, dried cherries, or shredded coconut for a creative twist.
- Sugar-Free: You use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia to make these muffins more diet-friendly.
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FAQs About Pistachio Muffins
Can I make pistachio muffins without pudding mix?
Of Course Yes. While pudding mix adds extra moisture and color, you can skip it and still get delicious muffins. You add an extra tablespoon of sugar for sweetness.
Are pistachio muffins healthy?
They’re healthier than most desserts, especially if you use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar. Plus, pistachios are packed with protein and healthy fats.
Why aren’t my muffins green?
Natural pistachios don’t create a vibrant green color. If you want a bright green hue, you add a drop of food coloring or pudding mix can help.

Pistachio Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft, moist pistachio muffins with a hint of almond and a nutty crunch. These bakery style treats are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup pistachio pudding mix (optional)
Instructions
- You preheat the oven to 375°F. You line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, you whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix (if using).
- In another bowl, you whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, milk, vanilla, and almond extract.
- You combine wet and dry ingredients, folding gently until just mixed. You stir in chopped pistachios.
- You divide the batter evenly among muffin cups and top with extra pistachios.
- You bake for 18-20 minutes. You cool before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Pistachios: Always opt for unsalted, shelled pistachios to control the saltiness and keep the muffins’ flavors balanced.
- Avoid Overbaking: Start checking for doneness a minute or two earlier than the recipe time suggests to ensure moist muffins.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk ensures smoother mixing and better batter consistency.
- Enhance the Green Hue: If you want a vibrant green color, add a small drop of green food coloring to the batter.
- Flavor Boost: A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon can elevate the nutty flavor of the muffins.
- Double the Pistachios: For extra nuttiness, add finely ground pistachios to the dry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g