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Light & Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These Light & Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds are the snack you didn’t know you needed. They’re crunchy, sweet, and just a little bit addictive — the kind of thing you reach for without thinking, and then suddenly the bowl is empty.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if using.
  2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly in a colander under cold water, removing any clinging pumpkin pulp.
  3. Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the rinsed seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain the boiled seeds in a colander and let them drain for a minute. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat gently to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until it forms a thick paste.
  6. Add the dried seeds to the bowl with the coating and toss with a spatula until every seed is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the coated seeds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single, even layer.
  8. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the seeds cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  10. Once cooled, break apart any clumps with your hands or a spatula.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step — it softens the seed shells and allows them to crisp up beautifully. Dry the seeds thoroughly after boiling to prevent steaming. Watch the oven closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning. For best texture, cool completely before storing. Seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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