Print

10-Minute Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds (Easy & Addictive)

cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image
Print Recipe

These 10-minute cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are sweet, crunchy, and come together in a single skillet. They’re a quick and addictive snack made from simple pantry ingredients, perfect for lunchboxes, movie nights, or anytime cravings hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) raw pumpkin seeds (shell-on)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (2.6g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the seeds: If using fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse them in a colander to remove stringy pulp. Pat completely dry with a towel. If using store-bought raw seeds, skip this step. Measure out 1 cup of seeds and set aside.
  2. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir until evenly mixed. Set near the stove.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let it melt completely until just starting to foam, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Toast the seeds: Add the pumpkin seeds to the melted butter in an even layer. Stir immediately to coat. Toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they smell nutty and look slightly golden on the edges.
  5. Add the cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the seeds. Stir vigorously to coat every seed. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sugar melts and turns light amber. If using vanilla extract, add it now and stir for another 30 seconds.
  6. Watch the color: The seeds should be deep golden brown with a glossy coating. If sugar starts to smoke or turn dark brown, remove from heat immediately.
  7. Spread to cool: Immediately pour seeds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Spread into a single layer. Let cool completely, about 5-10 minutes.
  8. Break apart: Once cool, break up any large clumps with your hands. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Dry seeds completely before cooking to ensure crunchiness. Keep heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent burning. Let seeds cool completely for the sugar coating to harden. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For spicy variation, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, quick snack, fall snack, sweet pumpkin seeds, stovetop pumpkin seeds

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/10-minute-cinnamon-sugar-pumpkin-seeds-easy-and-addictive/