The first time I cracked open a pumpkin and saw those glistening seeds, I knew there was potential in what most people discard. That sweet, nutty aroma as they roasted? It’s the scent of autumn. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar are now my go-to fall snacka delicious, zero-waste treat born from simple ingredients.
This easy roasted pumpkin seeds recipe transforms a humble squash byproduct into crispy-sweet morsels of fall flavor. With butter, cinnamon, and sugar, it’s like kettle corn meets toasted nutsbut made fresh in your own oven. It’s all about achieving the ideal balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch.
After testing dozens of spice ratios over the years, I’ve come to rely on this cinnamon-sugar comboit always wins over guests and picky eaters alike. When this batch was perfected, my kitchen smelled sweet for days. Trust me, the final sugar-toss trick is what makes it special!
Why You’ll Fall for This Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
There’s something satisfying about turning what’s usually discarded into a crunchy, golden snack. This roasted pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar recipe combines nostalgic comfort with sustainable cooking. Every bite offers a crisp texture, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness to keep you reaching for more.
The magic lies in the flavor harmony. Melted butter gives each seed that golden crunch, while cinnamon infuses cozy spice without overpowering the seeds’ natural flavor. Pro Tip: Add sugar after roasting to prevent burning and achieve a light, perfectly even coating.
Your Simple Ingredient Lineup
One of the best parts of this homemade pumpkin seeds recipe is how easy it is to make with pantry staples. If you’ve carved a pumpkin, you’ve already got the star ingredient!
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin seeds (shells on) | 1½ cups | Provide crunch and fiberthe hearty base |
| Salted butter | 3 tbsp, melted | Adds richness and promotes crisping |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Classically warm fall flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | Delivers sweetness in every bite |
Note: If using unsalted butter, add ⅛ tsp of salt to maintain balance in flavor.

Essential Tools You’ll Need
- Medium heatproof mixing bowl (for tossing warm seeds)
- Rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil
- Spatula or spoon for stirring and flipping
The Step-by-Step Magic
This simple pumpkin seeds recipe comes together in under an hour. The key is coating well and adding sugar after roasting to avoid burning.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In your bowl, combine clean, thoroughly dried pumpkin seeds with melted butter and cinnamon. Stir to coat evenly.
| Step | Time | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prep & Mix | 5 mins | Mix seeds with butter and cinnamon |
| First Bake | 8–10 mins | Lay seeds flat, bake until lightly golden |
| Flip & Continue | 7–10 mins | Flip for even toasting and finish roasting |
| Sugar Toss | 2 mins | Toss warm seeds with sugar just after baking |
Spread seasoned seeds in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes total, flipping halfway. When golden and crunch-ready, immediately return seeds to the bowl and sprinkle in sugar, tossing quickly to coat while warm.
Troubleshooting Your Best Pumpkin Seed Recipe
Even easy snacks can hit a snag. Here’s how to guarantee roasted pumpkin seed success every time:
- Seeds not crunchy? Make sure they’re fully dry before coating; moisture prevents crisping.
- Seeds burning? Your oven might run hotdrop temp to 350°F and extend bake time by a few minutes.
- Sugar clumping? Seed temperature matterscool slightly out of the oven, then toss; not piping hot, not cold.
- Uneven browning? Stir or flip every 7–8 minutes for consistent color and crunch.
Creative Twists and Flavor Swaps
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these fun twists on your roasted pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar. All of them stick to the same method but swap in different flavors:
| Variation | Swap This | For This |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Spice | Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp maple sugar + pinch of nutmeg |
| Chai Inspired | Just cinnamon | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cardamom + pinch ground ginger |
| Brown Butter Twist | Regular butter | Use browned butter for rich, nutty notes |
| Coconut Oil Version | Butter | 3 tbsp melted coconut oil + pinch sea salt |
Pro Tip: Craving savory? Skip the sugarsprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, and grated Parmesan while hot.
Serving and Storage Secrets
These spiced seeds make a perfect fall snack, party favor, or DIY edible gift. Serve them warm from the oven, add to trail mixes, or even top yogurt or ice cream.
Let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container. Properly stored, they’ll stay crispy and fresh for days.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Counter (airtight container) | 1 week | Everyday snacking |
| Refrigerator | 2 weeks | Extended shelf lifereheat if needed |
| Gift bags / Mason jars | 3–4 days | Ideal for sharing or gifting |
Note: To restore crispness if they soften, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Expert Says: The Appeal of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar
Roasting pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar creates a delightful balance of crunch and warmth that enhances their natural nuttiness. This simple technique not only boosts flavor but also adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the seed’s wholesome character, making it a perfect snack or garnish.
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Finding the Perfect Balance in Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar
After several rounds of testingsome too sweet, others not crunchy enoughI finally found the ideal blend of warmth and texture. These sweet roasted pumpkin seeds are the result of patient experimentation and lots of nibbling. Timing and sugar placement were crucial, and now the results speak for themselves: perfectly balanced, crisp, and deeply flavorful.
FAQs ( Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar )
How do I clean pumpkin seeds before roasting?
Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pumpkin flesh. Use your fingers to separate them gently, then pat dry with a towel. Thorough drying helps the seeds roast evenly and get crispy in the oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the seeds a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack without extra prep later.
What oven temperature is best for roasting seeds?
Roasting at 300 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for this dish. It gently toasts the seeds to a perfect crisp without burning the cinnamon sugar coating, ensuring a balanced sweet flavor and crunch.
How do I store leftover seeds?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid moisture and heat to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Can I make savory versions of this dish?
Absolutely! Swap the cinnamon sugar for spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder for a savory twist. Roasting pumpkin seeds is versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings.

Making These Sweet Treats Your Own
This roasted pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar recipe brings together all the things we love about fallcomfort, crunch, and cozy spice. In just 25 minutes, you’ll turn pumpkin scraps into crave-worthy snacks with flavor depth that store-bought can’t match.
Customize the flavor by using brown sugar for a caramel note or stir in a pinch of cardamom alongside cinnamon. Prefer a savory bite? Skip the sugar and go bold with smoked paprika and flaky salt. Once cooled, store in mason jars for easy snackingbut for the full experience, enjoy warm from the oven when the aroma is at its peak.
I’d love to hear how you’ve personalized this easy pumpkin seeds recipe. Share your favorite spice combos in the comments belowbecause every great kitchen creation begins with a shared idea. Happy roasting!
PrintRoasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar are a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for fall. This Pumpkin Seeds Recipe Easy uses simple ingredients to make Homemade Pumpkin Seeds with a sweet twist. Enjoy this Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe any time of year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup pumpkin seeds wash and dried shell on
- 3 tbsp salted butter melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Add the pumpkin seeds melted butter and cinnamon to a medium bowl and mix until well coated.
- Spread the flavored pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and spread them out evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes turning over half way through.
- Remove the pumpkin seeds from the oven and transfer back to a medium heat resistant bowl toss with the sugar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store the pumpkin seeds on the counter in a tightly sealed container for a week
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25cup
- Calories: 117kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g + 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 11mg





