These Pumpkin Spice Roasted Chickpeas are the perfect snack to satisfy your craving for something crunchy, sweet, and subtly spiced.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its unique combination of fall-inspired flavors with a healthy twist—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice elevate ordinary chickpeas into a gourmet treat.
Crispy Pumpkin Spice Chickpeas
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 sheet parchment paper
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons (1 tsp, 1 tbsp)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheating for Even Roasting – Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chickpeas start cooking immediately and roast evenly, which is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture. While the oven warms, you can start preparing your chickpeas and ingredients to save time.
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Rinsing and Drying – Open the can of chickpeas and pour them into a colander.Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and the canning liquid. After rinsing, pat the chickpeas completely dry using paper towels. Drying is crucial because moisture prevents the chickpeas from crisping properly in the oven. For best results, gently roll them in the paper towel to remove as much water as possible.
- Arrange Chickpeas on Baking Sheet: Creating Space for Crispiness – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup. Spread the chickpeas in a single, even layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Overlapping chickpeas can result in uneven roasting and soggy spots. Giving them space ensures each chickpea gets perfectly crispy on all sides.
- Initial Roasting: Start Roasting for Crunch – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring the chickpeas every 15 minutes to encourage even browning. This initial roasting step is essential to develop the base crunch before adding the pumpkin spice coating. During this time, the chickpeas will slightly dry out and firm up, preparing them for the flavorful topping.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Coating: Mixing the Flavorful Blend – While the chickpeas roast, combine 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. The coconut oil helps the spices and sugar stick to the chickpeas, while the brown sugar adds a touch of caramelized sweetness, and pumpkin spice brings the warm, seasonal flavor.
- Coat the Chickpeas: Evenly Tossing for Flavor – Once the chickpeas are crisp from the first roast, remove them from the oven and transfer them into the bowl with the spice mixture. Gently stir or toss until every chickpea is evenly coated. The coating should adhere well but not soak the chickpeas, ensuring the crunch remains intact.
- Final Roasting: Caramelizing the Flavor – Spread the coated chickpeas back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. This final roast caramelizes the brown sugar and infuses the pumpkin spice flavor deeply into each chickpea. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and stir halfway if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Achieving Perfect Crunch – Remove the chickpeas from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling not only prevents burns but also helps the chickpeas firm up to a satisfying crunch. Once cooled, serve immediately as a healthy snack, use as a topping for salads or grain bowls, or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly dried after rinsing to achieve maximum crunch.
- Stirring during roasting prevents uneven browning and helps every chickpea crisp evenly.
- Adjust pumpkin spice levels to taste; increase for a more pronounced fall flavor.
- Can be used as a salad topping, snack, or mixed into grain bowls.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain crispness.
- For a dehydrator option, cook on the lowest fruit setting for 4–6 hours, checking for crunchiness after 4 hours.
Beyond flavor, these chickpeas are high in plant-based protein and fiber-rich, making them a filling snack that supports digestion and helps keep energy levels steady.
With only a modest amount of coconut oil and brown sugar, this recipe remains low in saturated fat while providing good fats for heart health.
It’s quick and effortless, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, making it an ideal choice for everyday snacking, meal prep, or adding crunch to salads and bowls.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook, this snack is wholesome, satisfying, and versatile.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Baking Sheet
Essential for roasting chickpeas evenly, a sturdy baking sheet ensures crispiness and browning.
Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for cookies, sheet-pan dinners, and roasted vegetables.
Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless, keeping chickpeas intact while roasting. A must-have for any baker or snack lover in your kitchen.
Mixing Bowl
Ideal for tossing chickpeas with oil and spices, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Also invaluable for salads, sauces, or marinating proteins.
Measuring Spoons
Guarantee precise amounts of coconut oil, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice for consistent flavor. They’re indispensable for both sweet and savory recipes.
Paper Towels
Used for drying chickpeas before roasting to achieve ultimate crunch. They’re also a versatile tool for general kitchen prep and cleanup.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy Chickpeas
The key to achieving perfectly crispy roasted chickpeas lies in proper preparation and timing.
Always rinse and dry the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess moisture—this step cannot be skipped.
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even roasting.
Stirring the chickpeas at regular intervals during the initial roast ensures every piece becomes evenly golden and crunchy.
Finally, adding the pumpkin spice and sugar mixture after the initial roast preserves the coating while enhancing flavor without compromising crunch.
Experiment with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-heat twist.
Serving Suggestions for Everyday Snacking
These chickpeas are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Serve them straight from the oven as a crunchy, flavorful snack alongside tea or coffee.
They also make an excellent topping for autumn salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetable dishes, adding both texture and sweetness.
For a fun twist, mix them with nuts and dried fruit to create a homemade trail mix.
This recipe’s portability and shelf-stable nature make it perfect for meal prep, lunchbox treats, or on-the-go snacking.
Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness
To maintain the crunch and flavor of your roasted chickpeas, allow them to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container or paper bag at room temperature; avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy.
Stored properly, they can last 4–5 days. For longer-term storage, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving.
If making in batches, divide into snack-sized portions to retain freshness and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender before roasting. Dry them completely before proceeding with the recipe to achieve the desired crunch.
2. How can I make these chickpeas spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the pumpkin spice mixture. Adjust to taste for a subtle or bold kick.
3. Can I substitute the coconut oil?
Absolutely! Use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter as alternatives. Each will slightly alter the flavor but still produce a crunchy, flavorful snack.
4. Are these chickpeas gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences without modification.
5. How do I prevent chickpeas from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and spread the chickpeas in a single layer with some space between them.
Stirring every 15 minutes also helps prevent sticking and ensures even roasting.
