20-Minute Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds: Easy Baked Snack
These quick cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are a sweet, crunchy snack that comes together in just 20 minutes. Born from a happy accident, they’re perfect for weeknights, lunchboxes, or any time you crave a satisfying treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (120g) raw unshelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed. If using vanilla extract, add it now and stir again.
- Add the raw pumpkin seeds to the bowl. Use a spatula to toss until every seed is coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Spread the coated seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of your spatula to press them down slightly. Avoid overlapping.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. At the 12-minute mark, start checking for a deep golden color and fragrant, toasty smell.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack or plate to cool completely.
- Break apart any clumps with your fingers before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure seeds are dry before coating. Do not overcrowd the pan. Stir halfway through baking. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter. For lower sugar, reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon or use a monk fruit sweetener.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (about 30g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, baked pumpkin seeds, quick snack, fall snack, sweet pumpkin seeds