Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature is crucial for even roasting.
In a large bowl, combine the raw sunflower seeds, canola oil, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Toss everything together until the seeds are evenly coated. It’s important to mix well so that every seed gets that delicious flavor.
Spread the seasoned seeds out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures they roast evenly and get crispy without steaming.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown, and you’ll start to smell that wonderful aroma.
After 20 minutes, remove the seeds from the oven. Drizzle maple syrup over the hot seeds and stir to coat evenly. This step is what makes the seeds sweet and sticky. Make sure they are well-coated.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Look for a deep golden color and a crunchy texture. If you taste a seed, it should have a satisfying crunch.
Once roasted, remove the seeds from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Once completely cool, transfer the Maple Roast Sunflower Seeds to an airtight container for storage. They can last for a couple of weeks, but they are so good, they probably won’t last that long!