Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas for Kids

These roasted chickpeas make a great snack for kids or toddlers. The best part is – they’re so simple to make!

These roasted chickpeas are a simple, protein-rich snack that older kids will love helping make. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, they’re lightly sweet, naturally satisfying, and perfect for lunch boxes or afternoon snacks.

Chickpeas are one of our favorite staples because they’re affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrition. We stir them into soups and chili, blend them into hummus, and even use them in our favorite chocolate chip cookies. Roasting them creates a crispy snack that’s a fun alternative to crackers or chips.

Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas provide plant-based protein, fiber, folate, iron, and other important nutrients that support growing kids.

Toddler note: Whole roasted chickpeas can be a choking hazard for younger toddlers because they’re firm and round. We recommend this recipe for older children who can comfortably chew crunchy foods. For younger toddlers, try serving mashed chickpeas, hummus, or lightly roasted chickpeas that remain soft in the center.

Roasted Chickpeas for Kids

This easy recipe shows you how to roast chickpeas and top with local honey and fresh cinnamon. It’s a healthy and delicious snack that’s so easy, the kids can help make it.

Tips for the Best Roasted Chickpeas

• Dry them well. The drier the chickpeas are before roasting, the crispier they’ll become.
• Roast before seasoning. Adding the honey after the first bake helps the chickpeas crisp up instead of steaming.
• Enjoy them fresh. Roasted chickpeas are crispiest the day they’re made, though leftovers are still delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cans organic chickpeas garbanzo beans, or 4 cups cooked from dried beans
• 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons local honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• a pinch nutmeg

Roast the Chickpeas

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Rinse and drain the chickpeas well.
• Spread them on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat dry.
• Remove any loose skins if desired.
• Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Roast for 30–40 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are golden and crisp.
• Transfer the warm chickpeas to a bowl and toss with the oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
• Return them to the oven for another 8–10 minutes if you’d like the honey to caramelize slightly.
• Let cool for several minutes before serving.
• Store leftovers in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

These are a great addition to your favorite school lunch ideas.

Can toddlers eat chickpeas?

Yes. Chickpeas are a nutritious food for toddlers when prepared in an age-appropriate way. Mashed chickpeas, hummus, or soft cooked chickpeas are great options. Whole roasted chickpeas are best saved for older children because their crunchy texture can present a choking risk for younger toddlers.

Are roasted chickpeas healthy for kids?

Roasted chickpeas are a wholesome snack made with simple ingredients. They’re a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate, helping keep kids satisfied between meals.

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Absolutely. Simply cook dried chickpeas until tender before roasting. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked chickpeas for this recipe.