Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin pie spice wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day? I don’t think so. But let’s be real, sometimes rolling out a full pie crust feels like a weekend-only project. That’s where these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Twists come in! They capture all the cozy flavor of your favorite pie in a fun, flaky pastry that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving, need a quick dessert for a potluck, or just want to treat yourself, these twists are the answer.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Twists
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves pumpkin pie but is short on time. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Incredibly Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry is our little secret for a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Getting the little ones involved in twisting the dough is a blast. It’s a great way to make memories (and a bit of a mess) together.
- Perfect for Sharing: These portable treats are ideal for parties, bake sales, or gifting to neighbors. They’re the edible version of a warm hug.
- Customizable: Feel like adding a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of pecans? Go for it! This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your creativity.
Pumpkin Pie Twists
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
Description
Get flaky pumpkin pie twists fast with our quick hack technique Easy irresistible pastry twists with classic spice flavor Perfection made simple
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well-combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out just enough to smooth any creases. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over one half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the pumpkin-covered half, like you’re closing a book. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 even strips.
- Grab one strip by the ends and gently twist it a few times. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all the strips.
- Brush the tops of the twists with the melted butter and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists capture all the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie in a fun, flaky pastry that’s surprisingly simple to make with store-bought puff pastry. The perfect fall treat for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 twists
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 1 g
Gathering Your Ingredients
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients create such magic. Here’s what you need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Twists
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, fragrant twists in no time.
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well-combined.
- Roll and Spread: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out just enough to smooth any creases. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over one half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold and Slice: Fold the other half of the pastry over the pumpkin-covered half, like you’re closing a book. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 even strips.
- Twist Away: Grab one strip by the ends and gently twist it a few times. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all the strips.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush the tops of the twists with the melted butter and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Tips for the Best Twists Ever
Keep these simple tips in mind for perfect results every single time:
- Cold Pastry is Key: Make sure your puff pastry is still cold when you work with it. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to handle. If this happens, just pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add more pumpkin, but a thin, even layer is best. Too much filling can leak out and make the pastry soggy.
- Even Twisting: Twist each strip just enough to create a spiral pattern. You don’t need to wring it out like a towel! A gentle twist gives you the perfect, flaky layers.
This recipe reminds me of the first time I made them for my son’s Halloween party. I was worried they were too simple, but they were the first platter to empty! It just goes to show that the simplest recipes, made with a little love, are often the biggest hits.
Serving Your Delicious Creations
These twists are fantastic all on their own, still slightly warm from the oven. For an extra-special treat, serve them with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai latte for the ultimate cozy moment. They’re the perfect dessert to bring to any fall gathering, from a weeknight family dinner to a festive holiday potluck.
Nutrition Information*
*This is an estimated nutrition breakdown per twist, assuming the recipe makes 12 twists. For precise information, it’s best to calculate based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the twists and place them on the baking sheet, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked twists on the sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?
Of course! If you don’t have the pre-mixed spice, you can make your own. A great basic blend is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. You can find a great guide to crafting your own spice mixes from sources like King Arthur Baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can re-crisp them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
Puff pastry gives you the best flaky, buttery texture. However, in a pinch, you could use crescent roll dough. The texture will be different—more bread-like than flaky—but still delicious!
I hope these Pumpkin Pie Twists bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. They’re proof that you don’t need a special occasion or a whole day to create something truly delightful. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the unforgettable scent of fall. If you’re looking for more easy dessert inspiration, check out my recipe for simple apple pie bites—they’re another family favorite!