Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
If you’re anything like me and love quick, festive treats that feel homemade but don’t take forever, you’re going to be all over this one. These Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe bring all the cozy pumpkin pie vibes in a buttery, flaky twist that’s just irresistibly fun to make and eat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to autumn snack or holiday appetizer that everyone begs for again and again!
Why This Recipe Works
- Speedy & Simple: Using refrigerated crescent dough means you’re just minutes away from irresistible pumpkin treats without rolling out any dough from scratch.
- Layered Pumpkin Flavor: The sweet-spiced pumpkin filling sandwiched between buttery layers gives you all the familiar pumpkin pie taste in a fun, twisty package.
- Customizable Twists: You can easily adjust spice levels or add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
- Perfectly Portable: These pumpkin pie twists are great for parties or lunchboxes since they hold their shape and taste amazing warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe uses simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor—plus a few pantry staples that lend sweetness and spice. Using premade crescent dough makes this dish accessible even when you’re pressed for time, and the pumpkin filling is subtly sweet and perfectly spiced for that classic autumn taste.

- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This dough is buttery and flaky, perfect for twists and browns up beautifully in the oven.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling—which is spiced and sweetened. This lets you control flavors and sweetness in your twists.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and moisture to balance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Maple syrup: Brings a deep, natural sweetness that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Pumpkin spice: Essential for that warm, cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices you crave in pumpkin recipes.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top to give the twists a gorgeous golden sheen and extra richness.
- Sugar and cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sweet finish with a little warm spice kick.
- Whipped cream: Optional but highly recommended for dipping—you’re welcome in advance!
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Whether you want to amp up the spice for extra warmth or swap maple syrup for honey, these twists are flexible and forgiving.
- Add some crunch: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for texture—it’s heavenly!
- Make it vegan: Use vegan crescent dough and substitute melted coconut oil for butter, plus maple syrup makes a perfect natural sweetener.
- Go bold on spices: If you love deeper spice, add a pinch of cloves or ground ginger to your pumpkin mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Top with glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the twists after baking adds a beautiful sweet finish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prep your pumpkin filling
Start by mixing your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl until everything is well combined. This step is super quick but makes all the flavor magic happen—feel free to taste it and adjust your spices if you like it more cinnamon-y or spicier.
Step 2: Cut and layer your dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a flat surface and slice it in half down the middle so you have two equal rectangles. This makes it easier to spread your pumpkin filling on one piece, then sandwich it with the second piece. Line the edges carefully to avoid filling oozing out during baking.
Step 3: Slice, twist, and season
Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough sandwich into strips about ¾ inch wide. Then comes the fun part—twist each strip by turning one end twice, then the other end a couple times, creating those beautiful spirals that bake up super flaky. Brush each twist with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with sugar and cinnamon for a caramelized, crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your twists on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F for around 8-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting at 8 minutes—they’ll go from golden to perfect in no time. Pull them out when they’re puffed and a gorgeous golden brown on top. My oven tends to run hot, so I start checking right at the 8-minute mark.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough pumpkin filling to spread thinly—too much can make the twists soggy or cause the dough to tear.
- Chill Before Baking: If your kitchen is warm or dough feels too soft, pop the twists in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up—they hold their shape better this way.
- Keep Watch! Baking times can vary by oven, so start checking early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the twists.
- Use Parchment Paper: This makes cleanup so much easier and prevents your twists from sticking or spreading too much.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping these twists with a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar right out of the oven also adds a pretty snowy effect that makes them look bakery-fresh. If you want to keep it simple, cinnamon sugar on top before baking is already a winner.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin pie twists go beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For gatherings, I serve them alongside a creamy soup or a cheese board with sharp cheddar and crusty bread for a sweet-savory mix that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Creative Ways to Present
For Thanksgiving or holiday brunch, I’ve arranged these twists in a circle on a wooden tray with mini jars of whipped cream, honey, and maple syrup for guests to customize. They also look adorable stacked in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon—perfect edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some fresh twists, I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the dough tender, and the sugar topping stays crunchy—a perfect snack anytime.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these twists successfully by baking them first, then cooling completely before sealing tightly in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just thaw them a few hours in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven to refresh that just-baked flakiness.
Reheating
Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes—avoid the microwave because it makes them soggy. I like popping them under the broiler for a quick minute at the end to revive that toasty, crisp finish.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for a few hours before putting them in the oven. Just pop them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap and bake when ready. This makes it super convenient for a party or busy morning.
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What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave syrup works well as natural sweeteners and bring a similar rich sweetness. Just keep the quantity the same and you’re good to go.
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Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
You sure can! If you have your own crescent or puff pastry dough, it’ll make these twists even more special. Just make sure to keep the dough cold before baking, and handle it gently so you can twist without tearing.
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Are these twists gluten-free?
Traditional crescent dough contains gluten, so you’ll want to find a gluten-free crescent dough brand or make a gluten-free pastry dough to substitute if you need these to be gluten-free. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
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What’s the best way to eat these Pumpkin Pie Twists?
I love eating them warm right out of the oven with a little whipped cream on the side for dipping—it’s like pumpkin pie in handheld form. They’re also wonderful room-temperature snacks for on-the-go treats.
Final Thoughts
Every fall, making these Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe has become a little ritual for me—quick enough to throw together after work, yet they bring that cozy autumn feeling that warms up the whole kitchen. I hope you find as much joy in twisting, baking, and sharing these as I do. Next time friends or family come over, surprise them with these festive goodies—you’ll be the star of the season, I promise!
Print
Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists are a delicious and festive pastry treat made with crescent roll dough filled with a spiced pumpkin mixture, twisted for a fun shape, brushed with butter, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a quick fall dessert or snack, these twists bake up golden and flaky and can be served with whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
Pumpkin Filling
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- whipped cream for dipping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice until smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a clean cutting board. Cut the dough in half to create two identical rectangles and place them side by side.
- Assemble Twists: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over one rectangle of dough. Then, lay the second dough rectangle on top, aligning edges to sandwich the filling evenly.
- Cut Strips: Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough stack into strips approximately 3/4 inch wide, ensuring even sizing for uniform baking.
- Twist Strips: Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet. Pick up one end of a strip and twist it twice, then lift the other end and twist it an additional two to three times for a twisted effect.
- Add Toppings: Generously brush each twist with the melted butter. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the twists to add sweetness and spice.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled crescent roll dough and handle it gently to prevent tearing.
- You can substitute pumpkin spice with a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if pumpkin spice is unavailable.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- The twists are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


