Pistachio muffins

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about biting into a soft, bakery-style pistachio muffin. For me, it all started with a warm, nutty, slightly sweet muffin from a neighborhood coffee shop—moist, fluffy, and speckled with bits of pistachio that added the perfect crunch. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect bite at home. After several rounds of testing and tweaking, I’ve finally landed on a pistachio muffin recipe that’s everything I love: tender on the inside, golden on top, and bursting with real pistachio flavor.

These pistachio muffins are not only easy to make but also stunning to look at, with their green hue and irresistible crumb topping. Whether you’re baking them for a brunch spread, a weekday treat, or just to satisfy a nutty craving, these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet, nutty, and satisfying. And the best part? They can be made with or without pudding mix—so you control how natural (or nostalgic) you want to go.

🧁 Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the muffin; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the pistachio flavor.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Helps give the muffins their rise and fluffy texture.
• ½ tsp baking soda – Works with the yogurt or sour cream for tenderness.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.

🌰 Nutty Flavor Boosters:

• ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped – Use roasted, unsalted pistachios for best flavor.
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix (optional) – Adds a vibrant green hue and nostalgic flavor. Omit if going all-natural.

🥣 Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs help bind the batter smoothly.
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
• ½ cup milk – Whole milk works best, but any kind will do.
• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil) – Keeps the muffins tender and moist.
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile.

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

• 1–2 drops green food coloring – If you want that classic green bakery look.
• 1 tsp almond extract – For added depth and a sweet, nutty aroma.

🍬 For the Topping:

1 tbsp turbinado sugar or granulated sugar – Optional, but gives a sparkling finish.

1–2 tbsp chopped pistachios – For a crunchy top.

How to Make Pistachio Muffins

These muffins are straightforward to make and come together in under an hour, from mixing bowl to cooling rack. Here’s how to get the perfect texture, flavor, and signature golden dome every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• (Optional) 1 box pistachio pudding mix

Add ½ cup chopped pistachios and gently toss to coat. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• (Optional) 1 tsp almond extract
• (Optional) 1–2 drops green food coloring

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir gently using a spatula or whisk. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix or the muffins can become dense. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the tops with extra chopped pistachios and a pinch of turbinado sugar for crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Let’s keep the baking inspiration going! Here are some delicious recipes from UMI Recipes that pair perfectly with your pistachio muffin mood.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If these soft, nutty pistachio muffins hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try more cozy, flavorful bakes and morning treats from our kitchen. Here are some reader favorites to add to your weekend lineup or weekday meal prep:

🍌 Bakery-Style Banana Bread

Moist, perfectly sweet, and full of banana flavor—this classic loaf has a golden crust and fluffy interior that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

🫐 Blueberry Lemon Muffins

A bright and juicy muffin that combines tart lemon zest and bursts of blueberry. These are soft, citrusy, and ideal for spring and summer mornings.

🥕 Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins

Packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and optional raisins or walnuts, these muffins bring all the cozy vibes of carrot cake in a portable format.

🍯 Honey Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Healthy-ish and packed with texture from oats, chia seeds, and a touch of almond butter. Great for grab-and-go mornings or late-night snack attacks.

🍫 Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Moist, rich, and slightly fudgy with the sneaky addition of shredded zucchini—no one will guess it’s packed with veggies.

Follow UMI Recipes on Pinterest for more Southern favorites and easy appetizers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make pistachio muffins?

Pistachio muffins are easy to make using pantry staples like flour, sugar, and oil—plus finely chopped pistachios and either pistachio pudding mix or pistachio paste. You whisk the dry and wet ingredients separately, combine them gently, fold in the pistachios, then bake until golden and fluffy. For a full recipe, scroll to the bottom of this post!

How do you make green pistachio muffins?

To get that signature green hue, you have two main options:

1. Use instant pistachio pudding mix, which adds both color and flavor.
2. For a more natural route, add pistachio paste or a pinch of matcha powder. A drop or two of food coloring can also enhance the green shade if you want that bakery-style look.

How many calories are in a pistachio muffin?

A typical homemade pistachio muffin contains around 220 to 280 calories, depending on size, ingredients, and add-ins like chocolate chips or glaze. Muffins with pudding mix tend to be slightly higher in calories due to added sugar and starch.

Are pistachio muffins healthy?

Pistachio muffins aren’t exactly health food, but they can be a balanced treat—especially when made with real pistachios, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Pistachios are rich in healthy fats and protein, which makes these muffins more satisfying than your average sweet bake. You can also modify the recipe to reduce sugar or swap in whole wheat flour.