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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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.
Instructions
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Notes
- 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.