These easy cinnamon roasted chickpeas are one of those simple little snacks that feel way fancier than they actually are and perfect for snack time.
If your toddler loves snacky foods, but you’re trying to think beyond the usual crackers, puffs, and bars, these are such a fun option to switch things up. They’re warm, lightly sweet, packed with fiber and plant-based protein, and made with just a few pantry staples.
This version is intentionally baked at a lower temperature for a softer, toddler-friendly texture that’s much easier for littles to manage. Feel free to smash for younger toddlers or roasted at a higher temperature for an extra crunch.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- simple pantry staple ingredients
- naturally lightly sweet without tons of added sugar
- toddler-friendly softer texture
- great source of fiber + plant-based protein
- perfect for snack boards, lunchboxes, or easy toddler snacks
- a fun way to offer chickpeas in a new form
As a dietitian and mom, I am obsessed with chickpea recipes because it's an easy way to add plant-based protein and fiber into our family's diet! You'd also love my banana chickpea blondies, black bean brownie bites, and chickpea muffins.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How to Make Your Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- Hint for the Best Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storing Your Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- How to Serve to Toddlers & Kids
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas (high fiber snack)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make these easy cinnamon roasted chickpeas:
- chickpeas - provide plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and carbs to help make snacks a little more satisfying
- melted coconut oil or avocado oil - helps the chickpeas roast up while adding healthy fats for satiety
- cinnamon - adds cozy flavor and natural sweetness without needing much extra
- vanilla extract - gives these that warm, sweet “treat-like” flavor
- maple syrup(optional) - totally optional if making for older toddlers or kids who want a sweeter version!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Your Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Drain, rinse, and pat your chickpeas dry really well. If you have the time and energy to take the coating off then go ahead! They will honestly start coming off if you roll and pat with a paper towel.
- Step 2: If you're wanting to smash, then go ahead and smash gently with a fork before adding them to the bowl. Then toss with melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and vanilla until evenly coated. If you're adding maple syrup then add here!
- Step 3: Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden and warmed through. If you want the chickpeas more crisp then bake at 400°F.
- Step 4: Let cool and enjoy!
Hint for the Best Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Dry your chickpeas really well before baking! Too much moisture keeps them from roasting properly and can leave them mushy instead of lightly roasted.
Substitutions
These easy cinnamon roasted chickpeas are already gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free!
- coconut oil: swap for avocado oil
- cinnamon: try pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a fun variation
- sweetener: skip entirely for toddlers under 2yo, or add a small drizzle of maple syrup for older toddlers
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavor in the roasted chickpeas try these:
- apple pie chickpeas: cinnamon + apple pie spice
- vanilla cinnamon chickpeas: extra vanilla for sweeter flavor
- pumpkin spice version: perfect for fall snacks
- lightly sweet maple version: add 1-2 teaspoon of maple syrup for older kids
Equipment
You'll just need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking, while a mixing bowl is perfect for tossing everything together. I also like using the bottom of a cup or a fork to lightly smash the chickpeas for younger toddlers. And of course, you’ll need an oven to get them warm and lightly roasted.
Storing Your Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Store leftover cinnamon roasted chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. These are best enjoyed fresh or slightly warmed, since the texture is intentionally softer rather than crispy. You can toss in the air fryer or toaster oven to re-crisp if you'd like!
How to Serve to Toddlers & Kids
These roasted chickpeas are so easy to work into snack time:
- add to a snack board with cheese squares, fruit, veggies + yogurt ranch dip
- serve alongside fruit + yogurt
- toss onto lunch plates or lunchboxes
- make a snack mix with freeze dried fruit + dry cereal
I started serving these soft roasted chickpeas to my son when he was closer to 2yo and now he is obsessed with them! Literally will eat half the pan after if comes out. Every little one develops at their own speed, just assess chewing abilities before serving.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Snacks that combine carbs + fiber + fat + protein tend to be way more satisfying than the snacks that leave your toddler asking for something else 10 minutes later.
Chickpeas naturally offer:
- carbohydrates for energy
- fiber to support fullness + digestion
- plant-based protein for staying power
- healthy fats when tossed with olive oil or coconut oil
A simple little combo like this can go a long way in helping littles feel satisfied between meals!
FAQ
Traditional super crunchy roasted chickpeas may be harder for some littles to manage, which is why this version is intentionally baked softer for a more toddler-friendly texture.
Absolutely! For older toddlers and kids, a light drizzle of maple syrup works well.
Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes and let cool on the baking sheet.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these easy cinnamon roasted chickpeas:
Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas (high fiber snack)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup for a sweeter version older toddlers/kids
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain, rinse, and pat the chickpeas dry really well.
- If smashing, then lightly smash the chickpeas using the bottom of a cup or a fork (not completely mashed).
- Add chickpeas to a bowl and toss with oil, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup if using.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden and warmed through.
- Let cool slightly before serving
Notes
- this recipe is intentionally made softer for toddlers rather than super crunchy
- drying the chickpeas well helps them roast better
- lightly smashing makes them easier for younger toddlers to chew and helps seasoning stick a tad better
- as always, assess texture and serving based on your little one's chewing abilities
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