Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pistachio and Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful blend of nutty, savory pistachios and sweet, gooey chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The muffins are tender and fluffy, with the pistachios adding a lovely crunch and the chocolate chips melting into pockets of deliciousness. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a treat for a special occasion, these muffins are sure to impress with their unique and satisfying combination.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the muffin cups.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Different nuts: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute pistachios with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
Dried fruit: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist that complements the richness of the chocolate chips.
Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk to make these muffins vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free. Make sure to also check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can refrigerate them for up to 1 week for longer shelf life.
Reheating: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins without pistachios?

Yes, you can omit the pistachios and substitute them with another nut of your choice or even add more chocolate chips for a chocolate-focused muffin.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom?

To prevent the chocolate chips from sinking, toss them in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help suspend them evenly throughout the muffin.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The tops should also be golden brown.

Can I use salted pistachios?

If using salted pistachios, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the dry ingredients to avoid making the muffins too salty.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you love chocolate, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips by a quarter cup or more for extra gooey, chocolatey goodness.

Conclusion

These Pistachio and Chocolate Chip Muffins are a fantastic balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors. The combination of crunchy pistachios and melty chocolate chips makes for a delightful bite in every muffin. They’re quick to prepare, easy to bake, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a sweet snack, or a special treat. Enjoy the rich textures and flavors of these irresistible muffins!

Pistachio and Chocolate Chip Muffins