Description

A simple, zero-waste snack recipe that transforms fresh pumpkin seeds into a crunchy, sweet, and savory treat using maple syrup, cinnamon, and butter.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds (rinsed and dried, approx. 150g)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted) or refined coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Extract seeds from the pumpkin and rinse thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove pulp and strings.
Pat seeds dry with paper towels and let them sit for 10 minutes to ensure they are mostly dry to the touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil), maple syrup, cinnamon, and fine sea salt until it forms a thick paste.
Place the dried seeds in a large bowl and pour the syrup mixture over them. Toss vigorously until every seed is coated and glossy.
Spread the seeds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
Roast for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and stir to ensure even browning.
Return to oven and roast for another 5-10 minutes, watching closely until seeds are golden brown and smell nutty.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optional cayenne while warm.
Let seeds cool completely on the pan to allow them to crisp up and the sugars to set.

Notes

Ensure seeds are thoroughly dry before roasting to prevent steaming and chewiness. Use sugar or pie pumpkins for smaller, meatier seeds. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If seeds become soft due to humidity, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ cup (approx. 30g)
Calories: 160
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 180
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 3
Protein: 8

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, maple cinnamon seeds, fall snack, party snack, gluten-free snack, zero waste cooking, healthy snack, vegan snack option