Pumpkin Pie Twists: Quick, Flaky & Delicious Treat

Pumpkin Pie Twists are the snack you never knew your fall afternoons were missing. Picture this: flaky puff pastry wrapped around a cozy, spiced pumpkin filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a whisper of powdered sugar. These little spirals of joy taste like pumpkin pie’s fun, bite-sized cousin—perfect for when you’re craving the flavors of fall but don’t want to commit to making a whole pie.

Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just need a quick sweet fix between Zoom calls, Pumpkin Pie Twists have your back. With just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of pantry staples, you’ve got a dessert that looks fancy but is shockingly easy. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a fall candle exploded—in the best way.

Table of Contents

What is Pumpkin Pie Twists?

Pumpkin Pie Twists are a playful spin on the classic Thanksgiving dessert, minus the pie crust drama. Instead of rolling dough and fretting over a soggy bottom (been there), you use puff pastry to get that crisp, golden exterior. Inside? A luscious blend of pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—basically all the warm, toasty flavors that make fall worth waiting for. Think of them as a hybrid between a cinnamon roll and pumpkin pie, twisted into an irresistible treat.

\They bake up quickly and beautifully, making them ideal for when you want that pumpkin fix fast. Great as a snack, dessert, or even a cheeky breakfast with coffee (we won’t tell). And let’s be real—there’s something wildly satisfying about eating dessert with your fingers.

Reasons to Try Pumpkin Pie Twists

First, they’re ridiculously easy. Like, “why haven’t I been making these for years?” kind of easy. With just one sheet of puff pastry and a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin, you’re minutes away from something that looks bakery-worthy. Second, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re dealing with picky kids, pumpkin spice superfans, or folks who just want a sweet bite after dinner, these twists hit the sweet spot. They’re also perfect for gatherings where you want something a little festive without spending all day in the kitchen.

Lastly, let’s talk flexibility. You can drizzle them with caramel, sprinkle chopped nuts, or even dunk them in a little maple glaze. They store well, reheat like a dream, and pair beautifully with a big mug of Easy Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for a cozy fall evening.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pumpkin Pie Twists

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions to Make Pumpkin Pie Twists

If you’re wondering how to whip up Pumpkin Pie Twists without making a mess or losing your mind, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every part of the process — from prepping your puff pastry to that glorious final dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this fall treat is easier than pie (literally). Let’s get into it!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the puff pastry its beautiful rise and golden crispiness. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little move will save you from scrubbing caramelized sugar off your pan later — a small step that makes a big difference. If you’re new to parchment paper or wondering about alternatives, check out our kitchen prep tips where we talk about must-haves for smooth baking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface (your countertop or a large cutting board will do). Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth any creases or cracks. You don’t need to flatten it too much — just enough to even things out.

Pro tip: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold. Too warm, and it becomes sticky and hard to work with. Too frozen, and it’ll crack. For more on working with frozen doughs and time-saving swaps, peek at our Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe — it’s packed with dough-handling hacks.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Spice Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the following:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Mix it all together until smooth and velvety. This spiced filling is the heart of your Pumpkin Pie Twists, so don’t rush it. If you prefer a shortcut, you can use 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend instead of all the individual spices. Learn more about spice swaps and baking shortcuts here.

Step 4: Spread the Filling and Fold the Dough

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the rolled-out pastry, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges. This makes folding cleaner and helps seal the edges.

Now fold the pastry in half, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom, like you’re closing a book. Press gently so the filling sticks between the layers, but don’t press too hard—you still want that puff!

Step 5: Slice the Dough into Strips

With a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch-wide strips. You should end up with around 10–12 pieces, depending on your cut. Keep the cuts straight and even to make twisting easier. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a few with chopped pecans or a dash of cardamom for a surprise twist.

Step 6: Twist and Arrange

Here comes the fun part. Take each strip and twist it a few times into a spiral. Don’t stress if they don’t look perfect—imperfections actually add character. Lay each twist on the baking sheet, giving them space to puff up and stretch out as they bake.

Need visual inspiration? Our Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake shows another beautiful fall dessert with rustic charm.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat one egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the top of each twist. This step is key for that gorgeous golden color. It also gives the pastry a slight crisp and shine — bakery vibes without leaving your kitchen.

If you’ve got little ones helping out, this is a fun (and safe) step they can handle. Just keep the brush away from clothes… unless you’re into abstract egg art.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Flaky

Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a fall candle store — cinnamon, pumpkin, and happiness all baked into one.

Set a timer so you don’t forget (we’ve all walked away to “just check Instagram” and ended up with burnt snacks).

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Once baked, carefully transfer the Pumpkin Pie Twists to a wire rack and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, if you’re in the mood for a little extra flair, dust them with powdered sugar. Not only does it add sweetness, but it makes them look like you just picked them up from a fancy café.

Want to go next-level cozy? Serve them warm with a mug of White Chicken Chili or alongside a creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for the ultimate fall comfort combo.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Twists

These twists are the snack equivalent of wearing fuzzy socks and sipping cider by the fire. Serve them with warm drinks like spiced chai, hot cocoa, or a pumpkin latte if you’re riding the full PSL wave. They also make a great dessert after hearty fall meals like Easy White Turkey Chili or Leftover Turkey Soup. Hosting brunch? Add these to the table alongside fruit salad and scrambled eggs for a sweet touch. If you want to impress guests, set up a dessert board with your Pumpkin Pie Twists, apple slices, caramel dip, and mini marshmallows. Easy, fun, and dangerously snackable.

Key Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Twists

First, make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold—it’s way easier to handle that way. If it gets too warm, it’ll get sticky and lose its puff. Second, don’t skip the egg wash! It’s what gives these twists their shiny, golden finish. Want to spice things up? Swap in a pumpkin pie spice blend instead of measuring out individual spices. Feeling extra? Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside before folding. Oh, and if you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen, let them do the twisting—kids love that part. One more tip? These are best the day they’re baked, but they’ll hold up fine for a couple of days in an airtight container.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pumpkin Pie Twists

Let any leftovers cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temp for about 2 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back that flaky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’ll make them soft instead of crisp. Want to freeze them? Wrap each twist individually in parchment paper, then seal in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat straight from frozen—no thawing needed. Bonus: they smell amazing all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s not too watery—strain if needed so your pastry doesn’t get soggy.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes, about 1 ½ teaspoons should do the trick.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Best results come from baking fresh, though.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Try crescent dough, but know it won’t be quite as flaky. Still tasty, though!

Can I make them sweeter?
Add a sprinkle of sugar before baking or drizzle with caramel after.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Pie Twists are proof that fall flavors don’t have to be complicated. They’re quick, easy, and totally hit the spot when you want something cozy without the hassle. From busy weekdays to holiday gatherings, they’re a sweet little shortcut to autumn joy. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just like flaky desserts with personality, give these a spin (literally). Your kitchen will smell like a dream, your guests will think you’re a baking genius, and your taste buds? Yeah—they’ll thank you too.

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