Pumpkin Pie Twists Made Simple and Scrumptious

Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists are the perfect fall dessert for anyone looking to enjoy the season’s flavors in a quick, delicious way. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Halloween, or simply enjoying the cooler weather, these twists offer the ideal combination of warm, spiced pumpkin filling and flaky, buttery pastry. The best part is that they come together in under 30 minutes, making them a stress-free option for dessert lovers of all ages.

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The magic of these pumpkin pie twists lies in their simplicity. Starting with refrigerated crescent roll dough, which provides a light, buttery texture, you then fill it with a rich pumpkin mixture that’s lightly sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, and enhanced with the warmth of pumpkin spice. Once baked, the twists are golden and crispy, with a soft and flavorful pumpkin filling that tastes just like a mini pumpkin pie—without all the effort.

The use of crescent roll dough gives these twists a light, flaky texture, while the pumpkin puree creates a smooth, creamy filling. The touch of maple syrup and brown sugar adds depth to the flavor, and the cinnamon sugar topping offers a delightful sweetness with a hint of spice. These pumpkin pie twists have the perfect balance of crunchy and tender, making them a treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for this recipe are easy to find and require minimal preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 tube): This is the base of your twists. It provides a buttery, flaky texture without requiring you to make dough from scratch.
• Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brings all the fall flavors to life. It’s naturally sweet, smooth, and pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): A drizzle of maple syrup gives a touch of sweetness and a hint of woodsy flavor.
• Pumpkin spice (1 teaspoon): This classic spice blend gives the pumpkin filling its signature warm and cozy taste.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons): This helps make the twists golden and crispy when baked, adding richness to the dough.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon): For the cinnamon sugar topping that gives the twists a sweet crunch.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and adds a final touch of warmth.
• Whipped cream for dipping (optional): To take these twists to the next level, serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and to help them bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
   In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir until well combined, and set aside. This filling is the heart of the recipe, so make sure it’s smooth and evenly mixed.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
   Unroll the crescent dough onto a flat surface, like a cutting board. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough in half horizontally, so you end up with two identical rectangles. Lay them beside each other for easy assembly.
4. Assemble the Twists
   Evenly spread the pumpkin filling over one of the dough rectangles, covering it all the way to the edges. Then, place the second rectangle of dough on top of the first one, sandwiching the pumpkin filling in between. Press the edges together lightly to seal the layers.
5. Cut and Twist the Dough
   Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 3/4 inch wide. Carefully transfer the strips to your parchment-lined baking sheet. Twist each strip by picking up one end and twisting it twice, then repeat with the other end, twisting it a few more times. This step gives the twists their signature look and texture.
6. Add Butter and Sugar
   Brush the melted butter generously over each twist to ensure they bake to a golden perfection. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the twists for a sweet, spiced finish.
7. Bake and Enjoy
   Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The house will be filled with the irresistible aroma of warm pumpkin and cinnamon.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Once they are done, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them warm, with a dollop of whipped cream for dipping if desired. They’re perfect for enjoying on their own or paired with a cup of warm cider or coffee.

Flavor and Texture

The best part about these Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists is the combination of textures and flavors in each bite. The crescent roll dough becomes crispy and golden on the outside, while the inside stays soft and light, thanks to the pumpkin mixture. The pumpkin filling itself is creamy and smooth, offering a mild sweetness balanced by the warmth of pumpkin spice. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a deliciously crunchy sweetness to the outside of each twist, making them irresistible.

Tips for Variations and Substitutions

• For a Healthier Option: You can swap the crescent roll dough for whole wheat crescent rolls or use a healthier alternative if you prefer. You can also reduce the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of salt to the pumpkin mixture to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
• Nutty Twist: For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pumpkin mixture before topping with the second layer of dough. The nuts add a lovely texture and richness that complements the spiced pumpkin.
• Different Spice Blend: If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. A dash of ground ginger can really add a warm, zesty kick to the filling.
• No Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or even agave syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin pie twists are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a light dessert or a fun snack for a fall gathering. They’re perfect for holiday parties, especially when served alongside a hot drink like apple cider or spiced chai. If you’re making them for Thanksgiving, they would pair beautifully with other classic desserts like apple pie or a spiced cake. And for Halloween, these twists are an easy treat to hand out to friends or family.

If you’re looking to elevate them further, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce would make them even more decadent. You can also top them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers to give them a pie-like feel.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists are a fantastic dessert option for any fall occasion. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, they capture the essence of autumn while offering a fun twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker, these twists are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your crescent dough and pumpkin puree, and enjoy these delicious, golden treats with the people you love this season!