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Best Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Easy Recipe

cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds are a sweet and salty fall snack that turns humble pumpkin seeds into an addictive treat. Perfectly crunchy with a warm cinnamon flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Clean the seeds: Separate seeds from pumpkin pulp, rinse in a colander under cold water, and remove any remaining stringy bits.
  3. Boil the seeds: Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add cleaned seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Drain seeds in a colander, spread on a clean kitchen towel, and pat dry with another towel. Let air dry for 5 minutes.
  5. Make the coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract (if using) until a thick paste forms.
  6. Toss to coat: Add dried seeds to the bowl and stir with a spatula until every seed is evenly coated.
  7. Spread and roast: Pour coated seeds onto prepared baking sheet in a single even layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Stir and continue baking: Remove pan, stir seeds, spread back into a single layer, and bake for another 15–20 minutes (total 40–45 minutes) until deep golden brown and sugar is bubbly.
  9. Cool completely: Let seeds cool on the pan. They will become crispy as they cool. Do not move while hot.

Notes

Boiling the seeds is essential for crispiness. Dry seeds thoroughly before coating. Watch the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Let seeds cool completely for crunch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Revive crispiness by reheating at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, crispy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, Halloween snack, sweet pumpkin seeds