Autumn Pumpkin Twists Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Twists Recipe: A Heartwarming Fall Treat

Autumn pumpkin twists dance with warmth and comfort, bringing seasonal magic to your kitchen table.

Crisp winds whisper promises of cozy moments ahead.

Sweet spices mingle with soft dough, creating an irresistible aroma that fills every corner.

Delicate spirals promise a delightful treat that connects you to fall’s rustic charm.

Each twist carries memories of harvest celebrations and intimate gatherings.

Rich pumpkin flavors weave through light, flaky pastry, inviting you to savor every bite.

Bake these golden delights and watch your loved ones smile with pure delight.

Why Autumn Pumpkin Twists Are So Enjoyable

Why Autumn Pumpkin Twists Are So Enjoyable
  • Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and uses simple ingredients that create impressive, bakery-style pastries without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile enough for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea, these twists appeal to both kids and adults with their sweet, nostalgic flavor profile and irresistible golden-brown appearance.
  • Ready in under an hour, these pastries are a speedy solution for satisfying sudden dessert cravings or unexpected guests, making them a go-to recipe for busy home bakers.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dough Twists

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry Sheet: A light and flaky base that creates a delicate and crispy texture for the twists.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that provides rich autumn flavor and moisture to the filling.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that enhance the depth of flavor and add caramel-like sweetness.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that deliver classic fall seasonings and aromatic depth to the pumpkin filling.
  • Vanilla: A flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness and adds complexity to the filling.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny glaze that gives the twists a beautiful, professional appearance.
  • Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the pastry and ensures smooth preparation.

Instructions for Baking Twisted Pastries

Instructions for Baking Twisted Pastries

Step 1: Create Flavorful Pumpkin Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin magic: whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth blend.

Pop the filling into the refrigerator to chill and let the flavors mingle for 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Gently roll out each puff pastry sheet, stretching it to about 10-12 inches.

With a sharp knife, slice each sheet into 6 rectangular pieces, each measuring roughly 4-5 inches.

Step 3: Assemble Twisty Delights

Spoon a generous tablespoon of the chilled pumpkin filling onto the center of each pastry rectangle.

Carefully fold the pastry over, pressing the edges to seal in the delicious filling.

Gently twist each pastry bundle to create a beautiful, rustic shape.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Fire up the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Brush the twists with a light egg wash to create a gorgeous golden sheen.

Lay out the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the pumpkin twists from the oven and let them cool for a few moments.

The aroma of warm spices will fill your kitchen.

Serve these autumn treasures while they’re still warm, inviting friends and family to enjoy the seasonal treat.

Tips for Flaky and Fun Pumpkin Twists

Tips for Flaky and Fun Pumpkin Twists
  • Refrigerate the pumpkin mixture for 15-30 minutes to help flavors meld and create a more intense taste profile.
  • Dust work surface lightly with flour to prevent pastry from sticking without making it dry or tough.
  • Press pastry edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking and ensure a perfect seal.
  • Brush twists generously with egg wash to achieve a beautiful, glossy golden-brown exterior that looks professionally baked.
  • Let twists cool for a few minutes after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burning, but serve while still warm for best texture and flavor.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Twists Easily

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Twists Easily
  • Store cooled twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual twists tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated twists on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Heat refrigerated twists for 20-30 seconds. Watch carefully to maintain pastry crispness and prevent sogginess.

Pair These Twists with Something Cozy

Pair These Twists with Something Cozy
  • Craft Warm Spiced Cider Companion: Brew a hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and star anise to complement the pumpkin twists' autumnal spices, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
  • Select Vanilla Cream Counterpoint: Drizzle a light vanilla bean cream sauce over the warm twists, adding a smooth, rich contrast to the pastry's crisp texture and spiced filling.
  • Pair Caramel Maple Delight: Serve alongside a small ramekin of salted caramel or maple syrup for dipping, enhancing the dessert's sweet and buttery profile with an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Match Spiced Chai Beverage: Steep a robust chai tea with cardamom and ginger notes that echo the pumpkin twists' warm spice blend, creating a complementary drinking experience.

Ways to Change Up Pumpkin Twists

Ways to Change Up Pumpkin Twists
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pastry: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or almond flour-based pastry for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Autumn Treat: Swap egg wash with plant-based milk, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Spice-Infused Variation: Add ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves to the pumpkin filling for an enhanced aromatic experience and deeper seasonal warmth.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same thickness and chilled before using.

  • Is it possible to make these twists ahead of time?

You can prepare the twists and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 2 hours before baking. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their shape.

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Leave a small border around the edges when adding the pumpkin mixture.

  • Can I freeze the Autumn Pumpkin Twists?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.

Print
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Autumn Pumpkin Twists Recipe

Autumn Pumpkin Twists Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pumpkin twists weave seasonal magic into classic pastry perfection. Warm spices and golden dough invite fall comfort, promising a delightful journey through comforting flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety pumpkin mixture by blending puree with sugars, warming spices, and aromatic vanilla until silky smooth. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor intensity.
  2. Generously dust work surface with flour. Carefully stretch pastry sheets to approximately 10-12 inches, creating an even rectangular canvas. Slice each sheet into 6 precise rectangular sections.
  3. Position a generous dollop of chilled pumpkin filling onto each pastry rectangle. Delicately fold pastry over filling, crimping edges to seal completely. Gently twist each pastry segment to create elegant spiraled shapes.
  4. Heat oven to 400°F. Lavishly brush pastry twists with egg wash, ensuring a glossy golden exterior. Transfer twisted pastries onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until pastries transform into rich amber-brown delicacies with crisp, flaky edges. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling period.
  6. Serve these aromatic autumn treats while warmth lingers, inviting delightful seasonal indulgence.

Notes

  • Chill the pumpkin filling thoroughly to enhance its rich, spicy flavor and make spreading easier.
  • Use cold puff pastry straight from the refrigerator to ensure crisp, flaky layers during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough alternatives.
  • Experiment with warming spices like cardamom or ginger to add depth and complexity to the classic pumpkin profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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