Pumpkin Twists Recipe

The Coziest Pumpkin Twists Recipe for Fall Baking Magic

Fall’s cozy embrace brings these delightful pumpkin twists into sharp focus, promising warmth and comfort.

Crisp autumn winds whisper memories of seasonal baking adventures.

Soft spices dance through kitchen spaces, creating inviting aromas that draw people closer.

Each delicate twist carries hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, blending traditional flavors with modern flair.

Unexpected texture and rich seasonal notes make this recipe special for weekend gatherings.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with love and creativity.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of these golden, spiraled treats.

Everything Needed To Make Pumpkin Twists Fast

Main Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A buttery, flaky dough that creates a light and crispy base for the twists.
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, creamy ingredient that adds rich autumn flavor and moisture to the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy and creamy texture to the pumpkin filling.
Filling Enhancers:
  • Powdered Sugar, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Add sweetness and warm, aromatic spices to complement the pumpkin flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Sugar: The egg creates a golden, shiny exterior, while sugar adds a delightful sweet crunch on top.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures the twists do not stick to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easy.
Preparation Extras:
  • Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the pastry from sticking while rolling.

Step-By-Step Guide For Tasty Pumpkin Twists

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Blend everything until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry Canvas

Dust your work surface with flour.

Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry and roll it out until perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Slice into Strips

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into neat strips about 1 inch wide.

Step 5: Spread the Pumpkin Magic

Dollop a spoonful of your luscious pumpkin filling along one edge of each pastry strip.

Step 6: Create Swirly Wonders

Fold the other side of the pastry over the filling.

Twist each strip to form a gorgeous spiral that looks like edible art.

Step 7: Brush with Golden Goodness

Crack an egg into a small bowl and give it a quick whisk.

Lovingly brush each twist with the egg wash.

Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on top for extra sparkle.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the twists on your prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Let Them Rest and Enjoy

Allow the pumpkin swirls to cool slightly.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Best Tips For Baking Soft Pumpkin Twists Every Time

  • Choose high-quality pumpkin puree and cream cheese for the most vibrant flavor and smooth filling.
  • Ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cold to maintain its flaky, crisp texture during baking.
  • Gently twist pastry strips to create even spirals, keeping filling sealed inside without breaking the dough.
  • Customize pumpkin pie spice blend to suit your taste preferences by adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Keep leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Pumpkin Twist Flavor Ideas To Try Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like rice or almond flour.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of regular cream, and replace egg wash with plant-based milk.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the pumpkin spice flavor profile.
  • Savory Herb Variation: Transform the sweet recipe by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling, and use a sprinkle of parmesan cheese instead of sugar on top.

The Most Fun Ways To Serve Pumpkin Twists

  • Festive Fall Plating: Arrange twists on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks and whole pecans for a cozy autumn presentation.
  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve warm alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or hot apple cider for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce, then plate with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent finale.
  • Party Appetizer Style: Cut twists into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy finger food during holiday gatherings or weekend brunch parties.

Pumpkin Twists Storage Tips For Freshness

  • Store leftover pumpkin twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual twists in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated twists on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Reheat refrigerated twists for 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Note that microwaving may slightly soften the pastry's crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the pumpkin filling creamy?

Cream cheese provides the rich, smooth texture to the pumpkin filling, blending perfectly with the pumpkin puree and creating a velvety consistency.

  • Can I make these twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the point of shaping and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking, which helps maintain their crisp pastry structure.

  • Is pumpkin pie spice necessary for this recipe?

Pumpkin pie spice adds warm, traditional fall flavors, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to achieve a similar taste profile.

Why Pumpkin Twists Should Be On Your List

  • Whip Up Quick Pastry Treat: Perfect for bakers wanting a speedy, delightful dessert that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Maximize Seasonal Delight: Captures the essence of autumn with pumpkin pie spice, creating a warm, comforting snack that celebrates fall's beloved ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding nuts, drizzling chocolate, or experimenting with different spice combinations to suit personal tastes.
  • Family-Friendly Baking Experience: Engaging recipe that lets kids help twist pastries, making it a fun, interactive cooking activity for all ages.
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Pumpkin Twists Recipe

Pumpkin Twists Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful pumpkin twists weave autumn’s warmth into each buttery, spiraled pastry. Cinnamon-spiced layers promise comfort with every golden, flaky bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Craft the luscious filling by blending pumpkin puree, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create an even texture.
  4. Transform the pastry into elegant strips approximately 1 inch wide, utilizing a sharp knife or pizza cutter for precise cuts.
  5. Carefully deposit a generous dollop of pumpkin filling along one edge of each pastry strip, maintaining even distribution.
  6. Delicately fold the opposite side over the filling, then masterfully twist each strip to create an attractive spiral configuration.
  7. Whisk the egg thoroughly and apply a light, even glaze across the surface of each twist, then generously dust with a sprinkle of sugar for caramelized edges.
  8. Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they transform into a golden, crispy delicacy.
  9. Allow the twists to cool for a few minutes, permitting the filling to set and the pastry to reach the perfect serving temperature.

Notes

  • Swap dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and almond milk powdered sugar for a vegan-friendly version of these delightful pastries.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding more or less pumpkin pie spice to match personal taste preferences and create a custom flavor profile.
  • Freeze unbaked twists for quick future entertaining by laying them flat on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag once solid for convenient make-ahead appetizers or desserts.
  • Try additional fillings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate the classic pumpkin flavor and add extra depth to the twists.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 181 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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