Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists: A Perfect Fall Treat

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin begins to fill our kitchens, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a comforting, easy-to-make dessert. Enter Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists – a delectable fall treat that captures the essence of pumpkin pie in a fun, bite-sized form. With golden, flaky crescent dough wrapped around a spiced pumpkin filling, these twists are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a delicious treat for Halloween.

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Imagine the blend of warm, aromatic spices and the sweetness of pumpkin puree, all paired with a touch of maple syrup for that extra layer of fall flavor. These twists are an ideal way to indulge in the spirit of the season without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is quick, simple, and requires only a handful of ingredients. Even better, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed by both pumpkin lovers and those seeking something a bit different from the traditional pumpkin pie. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a seasonal snack, Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Ingredients

To make these irresistible pumpkin pie twists, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough – This is the shortcut to achieving the flaky, buttery layers without any hassle. Crescent roll dough is convenient, and its texture is perfect for making twists. It also helps save time while still delivering that soft, buttery dough that contrasts so nicely with the pumpkin filling.
• 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree – The star of the show! Pumpkin puree gives the twists their smooth, creamy texture and that classic pumpkin flavor. Opt for canned pumpkin puree for ease, or use fresh pumpkin if you prefer a homemade touch.
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar – This adds richness and depth to the pumpkin mixture, giving it a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup – A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the autumn flavors, bringing out a natural sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice – A must-have for any fall recipe, pumpkin spice brings the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves into the mix, creating that quintessential autumn taste.
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter – The butter is brushed on top of the twists, helping them achieve that golden-brown finish while adding flavor and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon of sugar – This is used to sprinkle over the twists for a slight crunch and added sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon – Cinnamon provides an aromatic spice that works wonders with the pumpkin and sugar. It’s also sprinkled over the twists for that extra touch of warmth.
• Whipped cream (optional, for dipping) – If you’re looking to make these twists extra indulgent, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for dipping. It’s an optional touch but makes the experience even more delightful.

Instructions: Making the Twists

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake your twists to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Filling
   In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir until everything is well mixed, and the sugar has dissolved into the pumpkin. This creates a smooth, flavorful filling that’s both creamy and sweet with just the right amount of spice.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
   Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean cutting board. You’ll want to cut the dough in half to create two identical rectangles. Lay the two rectangles side by side on the board. This is where you’ll build your pumpkin filling sandwich.
4. Assemble the Twists
   Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over one of the dough rectangles. Make sure to cover it completely, leaving just a small border around the edges. Place the second rectangle of dough on top, so the pumpkin filling is sandwiched in the middle. Press the edges together to seal the dough.
5. Cut the Dough into Strips
   Use a pizza cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut the dough into strips about 3/4 inch wide. These strips will be twisted into the shapes that give the twists their iconic look. Make sure the cuts are even to ensure the twists cook uniformly.
6. Twist the Dough
   Pick up one end of each strip and twist it twice, then pick up the other end and twist it another 2 to 3 times. The more you twist, the more that delightful flaky texture will develop as it bakes. This step gives the twists their signature swirl and ensures they’ll bake up perfectly.
7. Brush with Butter and Add Sugar-Cinnamon Topping
   Place each twisted strip onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the melted butter generously over each twist, making sure it’s evenly coated. The butter helps the dough brown and crisp in the oven, giving you that beautiful golden color and rich flavor. Then, mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and sprinkle it over the top of each twist. This step adds a subtle sweetness and a fragrant cinnamon topping that will caramelize as the twists bake.
8. Bake to Perfection
   Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The result should be perfectly baked twists with a crisp exterior and soft, pumpkin-spiced interior.
9. Drizzle with Icing (Optional)
   While the twists are cooling slightly, you can make a quick icing. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk. Stir until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the icing over the twists for that final touch of sweetness. The icing adds a creamy contrast to the spiced twists and makes them look even more indulgent.
10. Serve and Enjoy
    Once the twists have cooled for a few minutes, serve them warm. If you like, serve them with whipped cream on the side for dipping. The soft, flaky texture paired with the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling is a match made in fall heaven.

Tips and Variations

• Dough Substitutions: While crescent roll dough is quick and convenient, you can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture or even homemade biscuit dough for a denser, heartier twist. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust baking times slightly depending on the dough used.
• Pumpkin Puree Alternatives: If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with homemade pumpkin puree or even sweet potato puree. Both alternatives will offer a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still provide the creamy base needed for this recipe.
• Adding Nuts or Dried Fruit: For added texture and flavor, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin filling. You could also fold in raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
• Vegan Adaptations: To make these twists vegan, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or coconut milk, and ensure your crescent dough is vegan-friendly. You can also omit the icing or use a powdered sugar and non-dairy milk glaze.
• Serving Suggestions: These twists are perfect as a fall dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of apple cider, coffee, or chai tea. You could even serve them at a brunch gathering alongside other seasonal treats like apple cinnamon muffins or a sweet potato casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about fall desserts – they’re warm, comforting, and full of seasonal spices that make every bite feel like a hug from the inside. These Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists capture that magic in every twist, making them the perfect treat for any fall occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Halloween, or simply the beauty of autumn, these twists are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, delightfully sweet, and filled with the flavors of pumpkin pie, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let these twists transform your kitchen into a cozy haven of fall goodness.