If you’re craving a snack that’s both sweet and crunchy with a hint of spice, Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas will be your new favorite. These golden little bites are the perfect answer to midday munchies or a healthy treat when your sweet tooth kicks in. Roasted to perfection, each chickpea is coated in a warm blend of cinnamon and sugar that will remind you of cozy fall days and fairground desserts.
Not only are these roasted chickpeas incredibly addictive, but they also pack a nutritional punch. High in protein and fiber, chickpeas offer a guilt-free crunch you can enjoy any time. Plus, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it ideal for a variety of diets. It’s a snack that checks all the boxes—easy, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.
What Kind of Chickpeas Should I Use?
For the best results, use canned chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans). They’re convenient, soft enough to absorb flavor, and roast beautifully. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly and dry them well before roasting—moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
You can also use freshly cooked chickpeas from dried, but ensure they’re cooked until tender and dried completely before roasting. Canned is simply quicker and gives consistent results.

Ingredients for the Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas: The star of this snack! Their mild flavor and hearty texture make them the perfect base for sweet seasoning.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the chickpeas in the oven while allowing the cinnamon sugar mixture to adhere evenly.
Brown Sugar: Brings a deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the chickpeas with a sweet aromatic flavor that rounds out the spice.
Salt: A pinch enhances the sweet notes and brings balance to the flavor.
How To Make the Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a crisp texture.
Step 2: Toss with Oil
Place the chickpeas in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until every chickpea is coated. This step helps them roast evenly and turn golden brown without burning.
Step 3: Roast to Crispiness
Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when they are deeply golden and crisp to the touch.
Step 4: Flavor Boost
While the chickpeas are still warm, return them to the bowl. Immediately sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss quickly but gently, ensuring every chickpea gets an even coating. The residual heat helps the sugar melt and stick, forming a delicious crust.
Step 5: Cool and Crisp
Let the seasoned chickpeas cool completely on the tray. As they cool, they will firm up and get even crunchier. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage—but fair warning, they might be gone before you need to store them!
How to Serve and Store Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas
These roasted chickpeas are best enjoyed the day they’re made, when their crunch is at its peak. Serve them as a standalone snack, sprinkle over yogurt for texture, or use as a sweet topping on smoothie bowls. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a mid-afternoon treat.
To store, let the chickpeas cool completely and place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crunchy for 2 to 3 days. If they start to lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar. Brown sugar gives a richer flavor, but the others will still create that caramelized finish.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
While oil helps achieve that signature crunch and helps the sugar stick, you can try using a light spritz of water or maple syrup before roasting. Just note the texture may be slightly different.
Are these chickpeas spicy?
Nope! They’re sweet and warmly spiced with cinnamon. However, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you enjoy a sweet-heat combo.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure the chickpeas are spread out in a single layer across two baking sheets to ensure even roasting.
How do I know when they’re fully roasted?
They should be golden, feel dry to the touch, and sound crisp when shaken. Let them cool before deciding if they need a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I use air fryer instead of oven?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them as air fryers vary.
Want More Snack Ideas with a Sweet Twist?
If these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas made your taste buds dance, check out these other satisfying snack recipes from Life with Jam:
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups – gooey, crispy, and packed with cinnamon flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pizza – a dessert pizza made with crescent rolls and sweet spice.
- Winter Brittle – crunchy, nutty, and perfect for gifting or munching.
- Brown Sugar Maple Cookies – cozy flavors baked into a soft, chewy cookie.
- Condensed Milk Snow Cookies – melt-in-your-mouth treats with a delicate sugar coating.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it whenever the craving hits: Follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes
And don’t forget to leave a comment below! Did you spice things up with cayenne? Add your own twist with nutmeg or maple? I love hearing how you made it your own.
Your feedback helps us all snack better, smarter, and sweeter. Let’s make something delicious together!

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups
Description
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas are the perfect sweet-and-crunchy snack you didn’t know you needed. Lightly crisped in the oven and coated in a warm blend of brown sugar and cinnamon, they’re a wholesome treat that’s high in protein and fiber—naturally gluten-free and vegan, too!
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to crispiness.
3. Place chickpeas in a bowl and toss with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Spread chickpeas on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
5. Remove from oven and immediately toss the hot chickpeas with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well coated.
6. Allow to cool completely on the tray. Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Notes
Make sure chickpeas are completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crunch.
Toss chickpeas with the cinnamon sugar mixture *while still warm* so the coating sticks well.
Re-crisp leftover chickpeas in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if they soften.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


