Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists

By Tyla | Last modified on Nov 30, 2025

Featured in: Breakfast

There’s something incredibly comforting about the flavors of fall wrapped up in a golden, flaky puff pastry. These pumpkin puff pastry twists bring together the warmth of pumpkin pie spices and the buttery crispness of puff pastry to create a delightful treat perfect for cozy autumn mornings or festive gatherings.

Whether you’re serving them alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet snack, these twists are not only visually impressive but also satisfyingly flavorful. Their beautiful spiral shape filled with pumpkin goodness makes them a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and effortless to prepare with store-bought puff pastry sheets.
Deliciously spiced pumpkin filling that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness.
Beautiful twisted shape that’s impressive for guests but easy to make.
Versatile snack suitable for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Large egg: Provides a golden, glossy egg wash that helps the pastry crisp and brown evenly during baking.
Water: Mixed with egg to create a smooth wash that’s easy to brush over the pastry.
Puff pastry sheets: Four sheets of flaky, buttery puff pastry that form the light and airy base of the twists.
Canned plain pumpkin: Smooth pumpkin puree that delivers authentic autumn flavor and moist texture for the filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin filling, balancing the spices and enhancing flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that infuses the filling with warm, classic pumpkin pie notes.
Coarse sugar (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and pretty sparkle on top when sprinkled before baking.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Used to make a smooth, sweet glaze that drapes over the finished twists.
Milk (for glaze): Combines with powdered sugar to create a thin, pourable glaze texture.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to the glaze, complementing the pumpkin spices.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even, hot environment for baking and prevents the twists from sticking.
Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and water until smooth. An egg wash promotes a beautiful golden finish on the puff pastry and helps toppings adhere.
Combine Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly blend canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until uniform. This creates a flavorful, spiced base that will infuse every bite of the pastry.
Fill Puff Pastry Sheets: Divide the filling evenly among the four puff pastry sheets. Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer to ensure each twist has balanced flavor and the pastry cooks evenly.
Roll, Cut, and Twist Pastry: Starting at one end, carefully roll each sheet over the pumpkin filling. Slice down the center lengthwise, leaving about an inch uncut at the top to hold it together. Gently twist the two sections, keeping the filling side facing up for an appealing look. Connect the ends to form circular twists.
Arrange and Brush Pastries: Place the twisted pastries on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion. Lightly brush with egg wash for shine and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra texture and sparkle.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. They are done when beautifully golden brown and puffed, signaling a crisp and flaky texture with a cooked filling inside.
Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Once baked, leave the pastries on the sheet to cool for about 10 minutes. This slight cooling allows them to set so the glaze will adhere without melting off immediately.
Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this over the warm twists for a sweet finishing touch that enhances flavor and presentation.

You Must Know

Adjust pumpkin pie spice to suit your preference for warmth and spice intensity.
These twists are best enjoyed warm to appreciate the crispness and fresh glaze.
For best results, use high-quality puff pastry for maximum flakiness.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pumpkin puff pastry twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crispiness before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these twists alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy treat. They also pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or dessert.

Professional Tips

Chill puff pastry sheets before working to keep them firm and prevent sticking or tearing.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when slicing the rolled pastry for smoother twists.
Experiment with adding chopped nuts or raisins to the pumpkin filling for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?: Yes, but make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin thoroughly to achieve a smooth, moist consistency similar to canned pumpkin puree.
Can these twists be made ahead of time?: You can assemble them and keep them refrigerated before baking, but bake fresh for best texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover twists?: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.
Can I substitute the pumpkin pie spice?: Yes, you can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to customize the spice blend to your liking.
Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?: Yes, these twists use no meat products and are vegetarian-friendly, perfect for seasonal vegetarian menus.