Pumpkin Twists : A Deliciously Easy Fall Dessert with Puff Pastry

Name: Pumpkin Twists : A Deliciously Easy Fall Dessert with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 egg, for egg wash; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Optional: Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) or maple glaze

Posted on August 14, 2025 ·

By Eva

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If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat that’s quick, cozy, and crowd-pleasing, these Pumpkin Twists are it. Made with buttery puff pastry, a sweet spiced pumpkin filling, and topped with cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect combination of flaky, warm, and comforting. Think of them as a cross between pumpkin pie with puff pastry and a sweet twisty pastry knot.

These pumpkin pastries are ideal for holiday brunches, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or even a cozy breakfast with coffee. They’re as pretty as they are delicious—and with store-bought puff pastry, they’re incredibly easy to make.

Looking for more sweet pumpkin bakes? Don’t miss our fluffy Pumpkin Muffins or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Why Pumpkin Twists Are the Perfect Autumn Treat

Pumpkin season is about more than just pies and lattes. These twists give you that nostalgic pumpkin spice flavor in a new, bite-sized format. Plus, they’re:

Quick and easy with minimal prep
Make-ahead friendly for busy mornings or parties
Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert
Perfectly sweet, not overwhelming
Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes

Pumpkin Twists combine all the best parts of fall baking—warm spices, cozy aromas, and flaky layers—in a format that’s simple to share.

If you love creative breakfast bakes, check out our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Twists

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this pumpkin puff pastry magic happen:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 egg, for egg wash
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional: A sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a maple glaze for extra fall flavor.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and flexible, perfect for easy breakfast baking ideas or elegant fall desserts.

Essential Baking Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have these basic kitchen tools ready:

Rolling pin (to lightly roll out the puff pastry)
Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for slicing)
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Small mixing bowls

If you like minimalist baking tools and one-pan recipes, also try our Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars — perfect for meal prep and fall snacking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Twists

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut the sheet into 6–8 equal strips.
Spread and Fold
Spread a thin layer of the pumpkin mixture down the center of each strip. Fold each strip in half lengthwise to seal the filling.
Twist
Holding each end, gently twist each strip 2–3 times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush and Sprinkle
Beat the egg and brush it over each twist. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and granulated sugar, then sprinkle over the tops.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffy.
Cool and Glaze
Let cool slightly. Drizzle with optional glaze before serving.

You’ll find these taste best warm out of the oven but are equally delicious the next morning.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pastry Puffs Every Time

Want to ensure your twists are bakery-worthy? Here are some helpful baking tips:

Keep puff pastry cold before baking for best rise.
Don’t overfill the pastry to prevent leaks.
Use an egg wash for that glossy golden finish.
Twist gently—too tight and they won’t puff correctly.
Add a sweet glaze after baking to level up presentation.

Want more baking inspiration? These Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats have a similar flavor and make a great prep-ahead breakfast.

Pumpkin Pie with Puff Pastry: A Modern Twist

These pumpkin twists are a fun update to traditional pumpkin pie. Instead of a full pie crust, the flaky puff pastry adds elegance and crunch. They’re easier to portion, faster to bake, and way more fun to serve at fall gatherings or as part of a Thanksgiving dessert platter.

They’re also great for folks who want pumpkin flavor without committing to a full pie slice—ideal for brunch or even savory fall baking when paired with cheese and herbs.

Pumpkin Knots and Other Creative Variations

If you want to mix it up, here are a few delicious variations:

Pumpkin Knots: Shape dough into knots instead of twists and brush with melted butter after baking.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Twists: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese under the pumpkin filling.
Savory Version: Mix pumpkin with feta, thyme, and black pepper.
Dessert Recipes with Yeast: Try a yeast-based dough like crescent rolls for softer pumpkin knots.
Pumpkin Nutella Twists: Add a swipe of hazelnut spread for indulgence.

These easy tweaks turn your go-to pumpkin twists into multiple unique treats!

For more fall-inspired baking, don’t miss our Pumpkin Maple Blondies — chewy, fudgy, and full of autumn flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fall Puff Pastry Desserts

Making puff pastry treats is easy, but a few simple mistakes can trip you up:

Working with warm dough: Chill the pastry before baking for better texture.
Skipping the egg wash: You’ll miss that glossy, bakery-style finish.
Overbaking: Puff pastry can go from golden to burnt fast. Keep an eye on it.
Too much filling: Less is more—it spreads as it bakes.

Want a savory balance to all this sweetness? Try our Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese for a protein-rich snack or dip.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Twists

Pumpkin twists can be served in so many delightful ways:

As a fall dessert with maple glaze and vanilla ice cream
On a breakfast board with fruit, nuts, and yogurt
As a Thanksgiving appetizer or pre-dinner bite
With coffee or spiced tea for a cozy mid-morning break

Want to turn breakfast into a celebration? Add Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups and Peach Smoothie to your brunch table.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Pastries

These twists taste best fresh but can be saved for later, too:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days; reheat in a toaster oven to crisp them back up.
Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

Looking for more freezer-friendly bakes? Try our Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for grab-and-go mornings.

Pumpkin Recipes for Thanksgiving & Fall Brunch

Pumpkin twists aren’t just for dessert—they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.

Serve them alongside:

They’re also a unique addition to any Thanksgiving dessert board or fall breakfast spread.

FAQs About Pie Pumpkins and Puff Pastry Baking

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just make sure it’s not too watery. Strain if needed for better consistency.

What is the best puff pastry to use?
Store-bought, all-butter puff pastry works great. Just thaw it according to the package.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

What’s the difference between pie pumpkins and carving pumpkins?
Pie pumpkins are smaller, sweeter, and creamier—ideal for cooking and baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping for Thanksgiving, or just craving a sweet fall bite, these Pumpkin Twists are a quick, beautiful, and flavorful way to enjoy pumpkin season. Made with puff pastry and warm spices, they’re a fun twist (pun intended) on traditional pies.

If you loved this pumpkin dessert idea, please share it with friends and subscribe to the blog for more cozy fall baking recipes, easy breakfasts, and seasonal favorites.

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