If you love the flavors of pumpkin pie but want a fun, portable, and slightly less traditional way to enjoy them, Pumpkin Pie Twists are perfect. These delightful pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with sweet, spiced pumpkin filling. They’re easy to serve as a snack, dessert, or even a festive breakfast during the fall season.
Pumpkin Pie Twists combine the best elements of pumpkin pie and puff pastry, creating a dessert that’s crunchy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and bursting with autumnal flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests, looking for a creative way to use pumpkin purée, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for the season.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Twists
- Flaky and buttery – Made with puff pastry, these twists are crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Pumpkin spice heaven – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the filling with classic fall flavors.
- Easy and quick to make – With pre-made puff pastry, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for sharing – Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a holiday dessert table.
- Portable and mess-free – Twists are easy to eat with your hands, making them perfect for on-the-go treats.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Twists
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling – In a small bowl, combine pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Roll and cut puff pastry – On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch wide strips.
- Add filling and twist – Spread a thin line of pumpkin filling down the center of each strip. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and twist a few times, pinching the ends to seal.
- Apply egg wash – Brush each twist with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake – Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve – Allow twists to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Twists
- Coffee or lattes – A perfect pairing, especially with pumpkin spice or cinnamon-flavored coffee.
- Hot chocolate – Add a cozy, indulgent touch with a warm cup of cocoa.
- Vanilla ice cream – Serve warm twists with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Fruit – Fresh apples, pears, or berries complement the spiced pumpkin filling beautifully.
These twists can also be served at breakfast, brunch, or as a festive snack for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Pie Twists
- Keep puff pastry cold – Cold pastry puffs up better in the oven, giving you that flaky texture.
- Don’t overfill – A thin line of pumpkin filling prevents leaks during baking.
- Twist gently – Too many twists can break the pastry; a simple 2–3 twist is perfect.
- Brush thoroughly with egg wash – This ensures a golden, shiny finish.
- Optional glaze – A simple powdered sugar glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Storing and Reheating
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for 4–5 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cooled twists in a single layer in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness, or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully and may be even flakier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the twists and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?
It’s better to use plain pumpkin purée. Pie filling has added sugar and spices, which may make the twists too sweet or change the texture.
Can I make mini twists for kids or parties?
Absolutely! Cut the puff pastry strips smaller to create bite-sized twists perfect for snacking.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pie Twists are a fun, flaky, and flavorful way to enjoy the classic taste of pumpkin pie in a portable, snackable form. Easy to make, full of cozy fall spices, and perfect for sharing with family and friends, they are a must-try this season. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these twists deliver all the comfort of pumpkin pie in a fun, flaky package.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy mornings, or any time you crave the flavors of fall.
Pumpkin Pie Twists
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
- Spread pumpkin puree evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
- Fold pastry in half lengthwise. Cut into strips, then twist each strip several times.
- Place twists on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.