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Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds – Easy Fall Snack

crispy cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack—crunchy, sweet, and warm-spiced. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a double-toasting method, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Clean and dry your pumpkin seeds thoroughly. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse under cool water, removing any pulp. Spread on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat completely dry. Let air-dry for 10 minutes if possible.
  3. First roast: Spread the clean, dry seeds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they smell nutty and feel firmer.
  4. Make the cinnamon sugar coating: While the seeds roast, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract (if using) until combined into a thick paste.
  5. Toss the warm seeds in the coating: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer the hot seeds to a mixing bowl. Pour the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over them and stir vigorously until every seed is coated.
  6. Second roast: Spread the coated seeds back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for another 10-12 minutes, stirring every 4 minutes, until golden brown and the sugar has caramelized.
  7. Cool completely before serving: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the seeds cool for at least 15 minutes. The coating will harden as it cools.

Notes

Dry seeds thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Don’t skip the first roast—it builds crunch. Stir frequently during the second roast to prevent burning. Cool completely before serving for the best texture. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar, fall snack, easy recipe, roasted pumpkin seeds, crispy snack