Deep, rich chocolate muffins topped with a golden, crunchy nut streusel. These bakery-style treats are ultra-moist with a tender crumb, balanced by a buttery nut topping made with pecans, pistachios, and brown sugar—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate muffins go beyond the ordinary with a nutty streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. The muffins themselves are soft, moist, and packed with chocolate chips, creating a satisfying contrast with the crisp topping. The combination of cocoa, buttermilk, and rich nuts makes this recipe irresistible for chocolate lovers and anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing baked good that feels homemade yet bakery-quality.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Muffins:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Nut Streusel:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. In a small bowl, make the streusel by combining the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, chopped pistachios, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a fork to crumble the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared liners. Top each muffin with a generous spoonful of the nut streusel.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 standard-size muffins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18–20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts from the streusel and replace with rolled oats or sunflower seeds.
• Double Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet for extra indulgence.
• Spiced Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the muffin batter for added depth.
• Citrus Note: Fold in orange zest to brighten the chocolate flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the muffins and streusel for a wheat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, you can use a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar (1 tablespoon per cup of milk) as a substitute.

What can I use instead of pistachios or pecans?

Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts make excellent alternatives. Use any nuts you prefer or have on hand.

Can I use muffin mix as a base?

You can use a boxed mix, but making them from scratch allows full control over flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?

Make sure your streusel is crumbly and the muffin batter is thick enough to hold it on top during baking.

Can I use melted chocolate instead of chips?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture. Chips hold their shape better throughout the bake.

Are these muffins overly sweet?

No, the sweetness is balanced by the cocoa and nut topping. You can reduce sugar slightly if desired.

Can I make these in mini muffin tins?

Yes, reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes and watch closely for doneness.

Is it okay to skip the streusel topping?

Yes, though it adds texture and flavor, the muffins are still delicious without it.

Can I add fruit to the batter?

Raspberries or chopped cherries pair beautifully with chocolate and can be added in small amounts.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

Chocolate Muffins with Nutty Streusel Topping offer a delightful mix of textures and deep, rich flavors in every bite. With a moist chocolate base and a crisp, buttery nut topping, these muffins are a standout treat for any occasion. Whether served for breakfast, shared at brunch, or enjoyed as a comforting snack, they are sure to satisfy and impress.

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