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Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds – Best Party Snack

crispy cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image
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These crispy cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are the ultimate party snack—sweet, spicy, and impossibly crunchy. The secret is boiling the seeds first for a crackly coating that makes them dangerously addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (about 4 ounces, scooped from a medium pumpkin)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Clean the pumpkin seeds: Place fresh seeds in a colander and rinse under cold water. Remove any large pieces of pumpkin flesh or stringy pulp. Pat dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
  3. Boil the seeds: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the cleaned pumpkin seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes. Set a timer.
  4. Drain and dry: Pour the seeds into a colander and drain thoroughly. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Make the coating: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to break up clumps. Pour in 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using). Stir until you have a thick, grainy paste.
  6. Coat the seeds: Add the damp, drained seeds to the bowl with the coating mixture. Toss with a spatula or wooden spoon until every seed is evenly coated.
  7. Spread on baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the coated seeds in a single, even layer, avoiding overlap.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through at the 10-minute mark. The seeds are done when golden brown and the kitchen smells like cinnamon.
  9. Cool completely: Let the seeds cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes without touching them. The coating will harden into a crackly shell as they cool.
  10. Break apart and serve: Once completely cool, gently break apart any clusters with your hands. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Notes

The boiling step is non-negotiable for achieving a crackly coating. Do not overbake; seeds should be golden brown, not dark brown. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To revive crunch, reheat at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar, party snack, crispy, Halloween, fall snack, roasted pumpkin seeds

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/crispy-cinnamon-sugar-pumpkin-seeds-best-party-snack/