Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe
The Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe captures the very essence of autumn coziness in every flaky, warmly spiced bite. Imagine golden, crisp layers of puff pastry hugging a sweet, silky pumpkin filling that tastes just like your favorite pumpkin pie, but with a playful, irresistible twist—literally! Whether you’re whipping these up for a laid-back weekend brunch, a crowd-pleasing party treat, or simply to savor the season, this recipe turns simple ingredients into pure, shareable delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create pure pastry magic. Each ingredient has a memorable role, from the buttery puff pastry to fragrant spices, coming together for unbelievably tempting flavor and texture.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The flaky, golden base for your twists—store-bought is perfect for speed and ease.
- Pumpkin purée: The heart of the filling, offering rich, autumnal flavor and natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a gentle molasses sweetness and helps the filling caramelize as it bakes.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This warming blend infuses your twists with classic fall aroma and balance.
- Cinnamon: Provides an extra sweet-spicy edge that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A dash enhances both the pumpkin and spice, rounding out the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to pull all the flavors together and brighten every bite.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for that gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Milk (for egg wash): Combined with the egg for a soft, golden color and crisped edges.
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting): A quick sprinkle adds a sweet, festive look.
- Cream cheese glaze or maple syrup (optional for serving): Drizzle just before serving for tangy or maple-rich decadence.
How to Make Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and a fuss-free cleanup, so your twists don’t stick and come out beautifully golden.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and that all-important pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. This vibrant blend becomes the flavorful heart of your Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe, infusing every bite with velvety autumn flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 10×12 inches. A gentle touch here means those buttery layers stay light and puffy. Uniform thickness also guarantees even baking once your twists hit the oven.
Step 4: Spread and Fold
Evenly spread the pumpkin filling over half of your rolled-out pastry, leaving a thin border at the edge. Then fold the other half over the filling to create a neat, filled pastry. Gently press down to thinly seal the edges and lock in all that spiced goodness.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice the filled pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Now, the fun part! Gently twist each strip a few times to reveal those beautiful layers and swirls. Arrange each twist on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them aside to allow for puffing up in the oven.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg with the milk and brush this mixture over each twist. The egg wash gives your Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe its signature golden, glossy finish. Pop the tray in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until the pastries are puffed and deep golden brown.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let the twists cool slightly. Dust with a shower of powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite cream cheese glaze or maple syrup. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table in seconds!
How to Serve Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe

Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is quick and classic, giving these pastries a snowy finish. For even more indulgence, drizzle your Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe with a tangy cream cheese glaze or just-warmed maple syrup—both pair perfectly with the spiced pumpkin center.
Side Dishes
These twists are delicious with coffee or a tall mug of chai. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even scrambled eggs for a touch of savory alongside the sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your twists in a spiral on a pretty platter, stack them like pastry logs, or serve them in individual mugs for a fun grab-and-go treat. For parties, you can even dip the ends into melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pecans for added crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (hard to believe, but it might happen!), let the twists cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastries flaky and fresh without losing that wonderful texture.
Freezing
The Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe is freezer friendly. Cool the twists completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Just be sure to thaw fully before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive your twists’ crispness, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. The pastry regains its golden crunch, and the filling tastes fresh and aromatic again—almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you love making pastry from scratch, homemade will add an extra layer of buttery flavor, though using store-bought keeps this Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe quick and easy.
What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem! Mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice for a simple DIY blend that’s perfect in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply choose a vegan puff pastry brand, use a flax egg for the wash, and swap in your favorite plant-based milk. Every bite will still be deliciously spiced and just as flaky.
Is it possible to use pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin purée?
Definitely! Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, so you can adjust or skip the additional brown sugar and spices if you like your twists a bit sweeter.
Can I prepare these ahead for a brunch party?
Yes! Assemble and shape your twists the night before, then keep them (unbaked) on a baking sheet in the fridge. In the morning, simply brush with egg wash and bake fresh for ultimate flakiness and warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe is such a delightful way to celebrate pumpkin season and brighten any breakfast table or sweet snack break. Whether you’re baking with the kids or treating yourself and friends, these twists never disappoint. Don’t hesitate to try this cozy recipe—you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear!
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Pumpkin Twist Pastry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of pumpkin with these Pumpkin Twist Pastries. These flaky treats are filled with a luscious pumpkin spice mixture, baked to golden perfection, and can be enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet dessert!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Twist Pastries:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Serving (Optional):
- powdered sugar
- cream cheese glaze or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: Mix together pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Pastries: Roll out the puff pastry, spread the pumpkin mixture on half, fold over, and cut into strips. Twist the strips and place on the baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together egg and milk, then brush over the twists.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie filling for a sweeter twist.
- Best served warm and can be reheated in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg