Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists: A Perfect Fall Dessert
Fall is a season filled with rich flavors and cozy treats. As the days grow shorter and the crisp air sets in, nothing beats a dessert that brings the comforting tastes of the season to life. Enter Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists, a simple yet scrumptious treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin pie with the flakiness of crescent roll dough. Whether you’re preparing for a Thanksgiving gathering or a Halloween party, these twists are sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that brings that classic pumpkin flavor to life.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – Infuses the filling with rich, earthy sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice – A perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, providing that quintessential fall spice mix.
For the Crescent Dough:
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough – The dough forms the crispy, flaky layers of the twist, making it quick and easy without the need to make dough from scratch.
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – This will brush over the twists, giving them that golden brown finish.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Adds a bit of extra sweetness to the outside of the twists.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Enhances the pumpkin spice and brings an aromatic warmth to the topping.
Optional for Serving:
- Whipped cream – For dipping, this is a nice addition if you want to elevate the flavor and make it even more decadent.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This pumpkin filling will be the heart of your twists, adding that creamy, spiced flavor that defines the season.
3. Unroll the Crescent Dough
Open the tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it on a clean, flat surface. Gently press out any perforations in the dough to form a smooth sheet. Then, use a knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into two equal-sized rectangles.
4. Assemble the Twists
Spread the prepared pumpkin mixture evenly over one of the rectangles of dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to avoid overflow when you seal the dough.
Place the second rectangle of dough on top, creating a pumpkin-filled sandwich. Press down gently to seal the edges. This will keep the pumpkin filling in place while you twist the dough.
5. Slice and Twist the Dough
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips approximately 3/4 inch wide. Carefully transfer each strip to the prepared baking sheet.
Now, take each strip and twist it twice by grabbing one end and twisting it, then repeating with the other end. Twist them 2-3 times to form the signature spiral shape of the twist. The result will be a beautiful swirl of flaky dough and pumpkin filling.
6. Brush with Butter and Add the Topping
Brush each twist generously with melted butter, which will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over each twist. This step adds a lovely sweetness and warmth to the outside of the twists, giving them an extra touch of fall flavor.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the twists for about 8-11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The filling should be soft and warm, and the dough should be perfectly flaky. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the twists are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream for dipping. These twists are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize the filling by adding a dash of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for an even richer flavor. You can also use honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Dough Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier, more delicate twist. Just keep in mind that puff pastry might bake faster, so check for doneness at around 8 minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin filling and even twist the dough ahead of time. Store the twists in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: These twists are perfect on their own, but they can also be served alongside pumpkin ice cream, a spiced latte, or even caramel sauce for dipping.
- Storage: These pumpkin pie twists are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.