Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds
Made with pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter or oil.Requires only a few affordable pantry ingredients.Roasted in the oven until lightly golden and crisp.Offers a delicious balance of sweetness, spice, and nuttiness.Perfect for snacking, holiday parties, and autumn gatherings.Easy to customize with different sweeteners and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, preferably shelled green pepitas
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pumpkin seeds from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds
- If using freshly scooped pumpkin seeds, remove the pulp and rinse them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. For the crispiest results, allow freshly washed seeds to dry completely before roasting. Store-bought shelled pepitas can be used directly.
Mix the Ingredients
- Place the pumpkin seeds in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter or olive oil, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the seeds are evenly coated.
Spread on the Baking Sheet
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the seeds roast evenly and develop a crisp texture.
Roast Until Golden
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Watch the seeds closely toward the end because sugar can brown quickly. Remove them when fragrant and lightly toasted; cooking time may vary depending on the size and moisture content of the seeds.
Cool Completely
- Allow the roasted seeds to cool on the baking sheet. They will become crispier as they cool. If any seeds remain slightly sticky, let them cool for a little longer before transferring them to a storage container.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooled Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds to a serving bowl. Enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them over oatmeal, or package them in small containers for an easy homemade treat.
Notes
- Choose fresh seeds: Fresh, good-quality pumpkin seeds provide the best flavor and texture.
- Dry thoroughly: Moist seeds may steam instead of becoming crisp.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar according to your preference.
- Watch the oven: Sugar can burn if the seeds are roasted at too high a temperature.
- Use parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Cool before storing: Warm seeds can create condensation inside a sealed container.
- Choose your fat: Butter gives a rich flavor, while olive oil offers a dairy-free option.
- Store correctly: Keep the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.