These Pumpkin Twists are flaky, buttery pastries filled with yummy pumpkin and spices that bring a cozy vibe to any day. Perfect for a snack or breakfast treat!
As I munch on these soft twists, I can’t help but smile. They really taste like fall! Pair them with a warm drink, and it feels like a hug in food form. 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your twists, giving them that flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use crescent dough as a substitute, although the texture will be a bit less flaky.
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience. If you prefer fresh, simply roast or steam a pumpkin, then blend it until smooth. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling to keep the twists from being too sweet.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds warmth. For a milder flavor, try using just cinnamon and nutmeg. If you want a spicier kick, increase the ginger a bit.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice, rich flavor. You can substitute it with white sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile, but the flavor may be lighter.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Twists?
Twisting the dough can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get it just right!
- Make sure your puff pastry is slightly chilled. If it warms up too much, it can become sticky, making it hard to twist.
- When cutting the strips, keep them about 1 inch wide for even twisting. Wider strips are harder to manage.
- Hold the strip at both ends and gently twist in opposite directions. Start slowly and add more twists as you feel comfortable. A tighter twist creates a more defined look!
- After twisting, give the twists a little gentle stretch before placing them on the baking sheet to puff up nicely.
- Don’t skip the butter brush and sprinkle of sugar—they help get that beautiful golden color and a nice crunch!
Happy baking! These pumpkin twists will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma that you and your loved ones will enjoy.
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick treat that will impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, (if you’re using cloves), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Once it’s nice and flat, spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over one half of the pastry, leaving some space around the edges.
4. Fold the Pastry:
Carefully fold the pastry over, enclosing the pumpkin filling. Press down gently on the edges to seal everything in.
5. Cut Strips:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. These will be your twists!
6. Twist Your Pastry:
Grab each strip and gently twist it several times. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it will still taste amazing! Place the twisted strips on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space in between each.
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Using a brush, coat the tops of the twists with melted butter. Then, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and a lovely crunch.
8. Bake the Twists:
Pop the twists into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t burn!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the twists cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, and watch everyone fall in love with these flaky pumpkin delights!
Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Twists as a seasonal snack or dessert—perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before using. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree as a tasty alternative. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the filling from becoming too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Twists?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, but they will be best fresh!
Can I Make These Twist Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filled and twisted pastries in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, simply brush with butter and bake as directed!
