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Easy Homemade Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

crispy cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

Perfectly crispy pumpkin seeds coated in a sweet cinnamon glaze that shatters when you bite into them. This easy fall snack comes together in about 45 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for coating, if using unsalted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Clean the pumpkin seeds: Separate seeds from pumpkin pulp, rinse under cold water, and pat very dry with a clean towel.
  3. Boil the seeds: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the pumpkin seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain and dry again: Drain the seeds in a colander, then spread on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using).
  6. Coat the seeds: Add the dried, boiled seeds to the bowl with the melted butter and toss well. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the seeds and toss again until evenly coated.
  7. Spread on baking sheet: Pour the coated seeds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single, even layer.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through with a spatula. They are done when deep golden brown and fragrant.
  9. Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the seeds cool on the pan for at least 15 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  10. Break apart and serve: Once completely cool, break apart any clusters and transfer to a bowl.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it ensures crispiness. Dry seeds thoroughly after boiling to avoid steaming. Watch the oven closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. Let seeds cool completely before eating for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

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