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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Best 20-Minute Snack

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These cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds are a quick, 20-minute snack that combines crunchy pumpkin seeds with a sweet, caramelized cinnamon coating. Perfect for weeknights, they use simple ingredients and deliver a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), rinsed and patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your seeds: Rinse fresh pumpkin seeds in a colander to remove stringy bits. Pat completely dry with a clean towel. If using store-bought pepitas, rinse and dry well.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir with a fork until evenly distributed.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let it melt completely. Swirl to coat the bottom. The butter should be bubbly but not browning.
  4. Toast the seeds: Add 1 cup pumpkin seeds to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for 3-4 minutes, until seeds turn light golden brown and smell nutty.
  5. Add the sugar mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the seeds. Stir quickly and constantly for about 30 seconds until the sugar melts and seeds are glossy. If using vanilla extract, add it now.
  6. Spread to cool: Immediately pour the seeds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread into a single layer using the back of a spoon. Work quickly.
  7. Cool completely: Let the seeds sit undisturbed for at least 10 minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
  8. Break into pieces: Gently break apart any stuck-together seeds with your fingers. They should separate easily.

Notes

Keep heat steady at medium. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Prep all ingredients before starting. Let seeds cool completely for best crunch. Double the batch for larger groups. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For best flavor, make a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, easy snack, 20-minute recipe, fall snack, pepitas

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-cinnamon-sugar-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-best-20-minute-snack/