Name: Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons water; 4 sheets puff pastry; 1 cup canned plain pumpkin; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; coarse sugar, optional; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With their flaky, buttery layers encasing a spiced pumpkin filling, these pastries are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of sweet and savory flavors mingling together evokes that warm, cozy feeling we all crave when the leaves start turning and the chill of autumn creeps in. The golden twists are not just visually appealing, but they offer a delightful crunch followed by a soft, creamy pumpkin interior that feels like a warm hug.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists

In my own kitchen, these twists have become a beloved tradition during the fall months. The first time I baked them, the aroma filled my home, drawing family members in like bees to honey. It’s hard to resist that tempting scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the air. And the best part? Each twist is as easy to make as it is to devour. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, quick-to-make treat that elevates any gathering or simply adds a touch of joy to your afternoon snack, you have to try these Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour, these delicious twists are perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to impress!
Irresistible Flavor: With spiced pumpkin creaminess inside flaky pastry, they offer the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their twisted shape makes them look fancy, yet they are incredibly easy to prepare. They’ll shine on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for a lighter twist? Consider using low-fat puff pastry and a sugar substitute for a delightful, guilt-free experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large egg: This acts as an egg wash, giving your pastries a golden, glossy finish. Room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
2 teaspoons water: Used to thin the egg for the wash and help it spread evenly across the pastry.
4 sheets puff pastry: This flaky dough is the star of our twists. Here, store-bought works perfectly; just ensure it’s thawed before using.
1 cup canned plain pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree; it creates a creamy filling without any added sugars or spices from pumpkin pie filling.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens your pumpkin filling for just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that gives the pumpkin its warm, fall flavor. Feel free to make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Coarse sugar, optional: Sprinkle on top to add a delightful crunch and sparkle to your pastries.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): This will create a sweet finish that acts as a lovely drizzle on top of your warm pastries.
1 tablespoon milk (for glaze): This adds creaminess and helps achieve the right consistency for your glaze.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): A dash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and complexity of the glaze, making it truly irresistible!

How to Make Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists

Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, combine 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of water. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This will add a beautiful golden shine to your twists.

Mix the filling: In a large bowl, blend 1 cup canned plain pumpkin, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice until uniform. The mixture should be rich and fragrant, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Spread the filling: Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly among the four sheets of puff pastry. Spread an even layer of filling on each sheet, leaving about a 1-inch margin at the edges so you can easily seal the twists.

Roll and slice: Starting at one end, roll the pastry over the pumpkin filling. Once rolled, slice down the center with a sharp knife, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the top. This way, the filling stays inside while you twist each pastry.

Twist and shape: Gently twist the two sections together, ensuring the filling side is facing up. Connect the ends to form a circle, pressing them together lightly to seal. This creates that charming spiral shape everyone loves.

Arrange and brush: Place the twisted pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion during baking. Brush each twist lightly with the egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar to add a bit of sparkle.

Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply divine, so keep an eye on them as they bake!

Cool and glaze: Carefully remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.

Drizzle with love: Once cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries using a spoon or a piping bag for precision. Serve immediately and enjoy every delightful bite.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists at room temperature, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each twist tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Just keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick reheat counters that nicely!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overstuffing the pastries; you’ll want to ensure they bake properly without oozing filling everywhere.
For the best results with puff pastry, ensure it’s cold when you’re working with it. This maintains its flakiness when baked.
Use fresh spices; they can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your pumpkin filling.
Consider using a pizza cutter for even slices if you’re not comfortable with a knife—it’s quick and easy!
Make the glaze while the pastries are baking to save time and keep everything flowing smoothly.

Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists are a wonderfully versatile treat that’s just as satisfying as they are simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving something sweet, whip up a batch, and you’re going to have everyone coming back for more. Rest assured, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to share it with friends and family!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, roast a small sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to remove as much moisture as possible for the best texture.

Can I make these twists ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare your pumpkin filling and roll the twists ahead of time. Just place them in the fridge for a couple of hours before baking. This can save you time on a hectic day.

What can I serve with these twists?

These pastries pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make great additions to brunch spreads.

How can I make these twists healthier?

You can reduce the sugar content by using sugar substitutes, and opt for whole wheat puff pastry if desired. Additionally, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruits for more texture!

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