Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for Fall Snacking

Fall is here, and it's time to enjoy some Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! I remember last year when my son, Jake, insisted on helping me carve pumpkins. We ended up with more seeds than we knew what to do with! So, we decided to roast them, and boy, did we have fun experimenting with flavors. This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy that makes for perfect fall snacking.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s a fantastic way to use pumpkin seeds after carving pumpkins.
  • The sweet and spicy flavor combo is irresistible.
  • They’re healthy and packed with nutrients.

Pure Comfort

Roasted pumpkin seeds are not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic reminder of cozy fall evenings spent with family. The crunch and warmth of these seeds will make you feel right at home.

What You Need

  • 1 cup 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (140 g) – Make sure to rinse and dry them well.
  • 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon olive oil – Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
  • 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon brown sugar – White sugar can be used instead.
  • 1 tsp 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adjust based on your spice preference.
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – Feel free to use sea salt for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Omit if you prefer less heat.
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – This adds a warm, sweet note.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the seeds a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This temperature will help the seeds roast evenly, giving them a nice crunch. You can smell the warmth of the oven as it heats up.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with olive oil. Toss them well to coat every seed. You’ll want them shiny and glistening, ready for the spices.
  3. Add brown sugar, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix everything together until the seeds are evenly coated. The aroma of spices will start to fill the air.
  4. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them roast evenly without sticking. Make sure they’re not crowded; they need space to get crispy.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Stir them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown.
  6. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Make It Perfect

  • For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • If you want a sweeter version, add more brown sugar.

Mix It Up

  • Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweeter twist.
  • Use different spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a unique flavor.

Perfect Partners

  • These pumpkin seeds pair wonderfully with a warm apple cider.
  • Serve them alongside a cheese platter for a crunchy contrast.

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FAQs

Can I make these pumpkin seeds ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

How should I store leftover pumpkin seeds?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze roasted pumpkin seeds?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container.

What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds?

Sunflower seeds or nuts like almonds can work well in this recipe.

How do I know when the pumpkin seeds are done?

They should be golden brown and crunchy. Give them a taste test to check for doneness!

Conclusion

These Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are a delightful treat for fall snacking. With their perfect blend of flavors, they make a great addition to your autumn gatherings. Give this Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds Recipe a try, and enjoy a crunchy snack that everyone will love!

Sweet and spicy oven roasted pumpkin seeds close-up on gray background

Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for Fall Snacking

These sweet and spicy oven roasted pumpkin seeds are an ideal fall snack, combining a delightful crunch with a perfect balance of warm, sweet, and spicy flavors for cozy autumn enjoyment.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds Make sure to rinse and dry them well.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar White sugar can be used instead.
  • 1 tsp chili powder Adjust based on your spice preference.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Feel free to use sea salt for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Omit if you prefer less heat.
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon This adds a warm, sweet note.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with olive oil. Toss well to coat every seed.
  3. Add brown sugar, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon to the bowl and mix until the seeds are evenly coated.
  4. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
  6. Remove from oven and let the seeds cool for a few minutes to continue crisping.

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