Best Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) Substitutes for Cookies

Find substitutions that keep spread, chew, and browning close to your original cookie recipe. Small ingredient changes quickly affect cookie spread and texture, especially fat and sugar swaps.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Can I make cookies without pumpkin seeds (pepitas)?

Yes. Start with Sunflower Seeds at 1:1, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Sunflower Seeds

Use 1:1

Similar size and chew. Less mineral flavour.

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How much does 1 cup of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) is treated as 129 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) cups to grams →

Common Questions for Cookies

Can I make cookies without pumpkin seeds (pepitas)?

Yes. Start with Sunflower Seeds at 1:1. Similar size and chew. Less mineral flavour.

What can I use instead of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for cookies?

Start with Sunflower Seeds (1:1) for the closest match.

Best pumpkin seeds (pepitas) substitute for cookies?

Sunflower Seeds is the top pick here. Use 1:1 and adjust only after a test bake.

How do I substitute pumpkin seeds (pepitas) in cookie dough?

Replace using 1:1, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

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