Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are a simple, healthy snack that’s crunchy, sweet, and incredibly addictive. Roasting canned chickpeas creates the perfect crispy texture, and when coated with cinnamon and sugar, they make a great alternative to candied nuts. Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a topping for your yogurt, or even as a party treat. Best served fresh, these crispy chickpeas will quickly become a favorite go-to snack.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Chickpeas:
   Drain and rinse the chickpeas well, then spread them out on a clean kitchen towel. Pat the chickpeas dry, removing as much moisture as possible. This helps them get extra crispy when roasting.

3. Coat the Chickpeas:
   In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil until evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the chickpeas and toss until they are all evenly coated.

4. Roast the Chickpeas:
   Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. The chickpeas should be golden brown and crispy when done.

5. Cool and Serve:
   Let the roasted chickpeas cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Estimated)

Calories: 120 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits, making them a great addition to any snack routine. They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake. Additionally, chickpeas are rich in fiber, which helps support digestive health, keep you feeling full, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Chickpeas are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and manganese. The high fiber content in chickpeas can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, while the protein helps in muscle repair and growth. When combined with the cinnamon-sugar coating, these roasted chickpeas offer a balance of sweet satisfaction with nutritional benefits, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.

Crispy Texture: The Magic of Roasting

The key to creating the perfect cinnamon-sugar roasted chickpeas lies in achieving the ideal crispy texture. When chickpeas are roasted, they undergo a transformation from their soft, tender state to a crunchy, crispy texture. This is achieved by drying them thoroughly before roasting, which helps remove any excess moisture that might otherwise prevent them from getting crispy.

Patting the chickpeas dry with a kitchen towel before roasting is an essential step. The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will become in the oven. Once the chickpeas are evenly coated with olive oil and the cinnamon-sugar mixture, they are spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roasted at a high temperature. This process ensures that every chickpea becomes golden brown and delightfully crispy.

Roasting chickpeas requires a bit of attention, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Stirring them every 10 minutes ensures that they cook evenly, preventing any from becoming overcooked or burnt. The result is perfectly crispy chickpeas that have a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The Sweet and Aromatic Coating

What makes these roasted chickpeas truly special is the cinnamon-sugar coating. Cinnamon and sugar are a classic pairing, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Cinnamon, with its earthy and slightly spicy flavor, adds depth to the sweetness of the sugar, making it an ideal complement to the natural nuttiness of the chickpeas. The small amount of salt in the mixture helps to enhance the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the cinnamon, creating a well-rounded coating that’s irresistible.

The granulated sugar gives the chickpeas a delicate sweetness that makes them taste like a treat but still provides the benefits of the high-protein, fiber-rich chickpeas. The cinnamon-sugar coating creates a beautiful contrast with the crispy texture of the roasted chickpeas, making every bite feel indulgent without being overly sugary or unhealthy.

Versatility of Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas

While Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are delicious on their own, they can also be used in a variety of other ways. These roasted chickpeas make an excellent topping for yogurt, adding both crunch and sweetness to your morning or afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, or even plant-based yogurt for a nutritious and satisfying treat.

These roasted chickpeas can also be added to salads or grain bowls for a bit of extra texture and flavor. The sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar coating can balance out the more savory components of a salad, making them a fun and unexpected addition. You can even sprinkle them over oatmeal for a sweet, crunchy element that adds protein and fiber to your breakfast.

If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these roasted chickpeas are a great alternative to traditional nuts or candy. They are easy to make in large batches and serve as a fun, healthy snack for your guests to munch on throughout the event. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them a versatile snack that pairs well with a variety of beverages, from wine to iced tea.

Making Them Ahead of Time

One of the best features of Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas is their ability to be made ahead of time. Once they are roasted and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a few days. This makes them a perfect option for meal prepping or for preparing a batch of snacks that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Since the chickpeas become crispier as they cool, they are a great snack to keep on hand when you need something satisfying but healthy.

These roasted chickpeas also make great gifts. If you’re looking for a fun, homemade gift for a friend or family member, consider packaging them in a small jar or bag with a festive ribbon. They’re a unique, healthy alternative to traditional gift baskets filled with candy, and their crunchy texture and sweet flavor will surely be appreciated.

A Healthier Alternative to Sugary Snacks

Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are a healthier alternative to many traditional snacks that are often packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. By using chickpeas as the base, you’re getting a nutritious snack that provides sustained energy without the sugar crash that comes with candy or other processed treats.

Unlike candy or chocolate, which are typically high in refined sugars and fats, roasted chickpeas offer a satisfying sweetness that’s balanced with protein and fiber. This makes them a great snack for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels or maintain a balanced diet. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds just enough sweetness to satisfy a craving, without the guilt associated with more indulgent snacks.

The Fun of Making Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas

Making Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas is incredibly easy and fun. The process is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients and equipment. With just a can of chickpeas, some olive oil, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt, you can transform a simple legume into a delicious, crunchy snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, the process of roasting the chickpeas fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, making it feel even more comforting.

The simplicity of the recipe also makes it a great activity for kids or beginners in the kitchen. They can help with draining and drying the chickpeas, coating them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and watching them roast to perfection. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in making a healthy, delicious snack.

Conclusion: A Crunchy, Sweet, and Addictive Snack

In conclusion, Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are a simple yet irresistible snack that brings together the best of both worlds: health and indulgence. With their crispy texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and satisfying crunch, they make for the perfect afternoon snack, party treat, or topping for your favorite dishes. The versatility of this snack makes it an excellent addition to any meal or gathering, and the fact that it’s easy to make and store in advance makes it a convenient option for busy days.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional sugary snacks, seeking a fun and unique topping for yogurt or salads, or just craving a crunchy, flavorful treat, Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are sure to become a go-to snack. Their combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition makes them the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet and satisfying snack without compromising on health.