Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, delectable treat that’ll wow your friends and family, I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe enough! Imagine flaky twists filled with cozy pumpkin spice goodness, baked to golden perfection in less than 30 minutes. They’re super simple to make and sooo satisfying—perfect for fall mornings, snack time, or whenever you’re craving that warm pumpkin flavor without the fuss of a full pie.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought crescent dough, shaving prep time drastically without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The pumpkin spice mix and maple syrup add warmth and a hint of sweetness that’s not overpowering.
- Fun Presentation: Twisting the dough makes for an eye-catching treat that also crisps up nicely.
- Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe plays a role in creating that warm, flaky, sweet, and slightly spiced bite you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Plus, you’ll find that these ingredients are easy to source and mostly pantry staples, making your pumpkin craving totally doable on a whim.

- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star for convenience and flakiness; it puffs up beautifully and holds the filling well.
- Pumpkin Puree: It brings that authentic pumpkin flavor and the creamy texture that’s essential to the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes that white sugar just can’t match.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds moisture and enhances the fall flavor profile wonderfully.
- Pumpkin Spice: The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings the classic autumn vibe to the twists.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on top to add richness and help the sugar cinnamon coating stick and caramelize.
- Sugar and Cinnamon Mix: Sprinkled on for that irresistible crunchy, sweet topping with a hint of spice.
- Whipped Cream (optional): For dipping! It’s a lovely creamy contrast if you want to step things up.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe is! Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or even dairy-free, it adapts easily. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect flavor combo — after all, that’s half the fun!
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: I sprinkled a few chopped pecans inside the filling once — it added such a nice crunch and nuttiness!
- Go Vegan: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use a vegan crescent dough brand to keep it plant-based.
- Make It Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter twist, add a drizzle of honey or extra maple syrup to the filling mix.
- Spice It Up: Dial up the pumpkin spice or add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prep with Love and Get Everything Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, this’ll save you from sticky cleanup later. While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice until smooth and aromatic.
Step 2: Layer the Crescent Dough for Success
Unroll your crescent dough on a clean cutting board and carefully cut it in half so you have two equal rectangles. Place them side by side. Now, spread that luscious pumpkin mixture evenly over one rectangle—don’t overload it, but make sure every bite has flavor. Then, gently place the second rectangle right on top, lining up the edges carefully so the filling is sandwiched in perfectly.
Step 3: Cut and Twist for That Beautiful Look
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into strips about ¾ inch wide. Now for the fun part: pick up one end of a strip and twist it twice, then grab the other end and twist it 2 or 3 more times, creating a pretty spiral. Place the twists on your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them so they can puff up without sticking.
Step 4: Butter Up and Spice It
Brush each twist generously with melted butter—that golden layer will help the sugar and cinnamon stick and makes for a shiny, inviting finish. Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over each twist, adding that sweet-spiced crunch you’re dreaming of.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the twists into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye out because they can go from golden to too dark quickly. They’re done when they’re puffed up, golden, and lightly crisp on the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Too much pumpkin filling can make the strips soggy or cause leaks—keep it thin and even.
- Use a Sharp Pizza Cutter: It cuts cleanly without squishing the dough, making twisting easier.
- Space Out Your Twists: Give them room to puff during baking so they don’t stick together.
- Watch Closely While Baking: They can brown fast—pull them out when they’re just golden to keep softness inside.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and dust an extra pinch of cinnamon sugar over the warm twists right out of the oven. But if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of maple glaze or a dollop of whipped cream on the side is a total crowd-pleaser. I even like to serve mine with a little bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping—it’s like pumpkin pie gone rogue, and I’m here for it.
Side Dishes
These twists pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad to balance sweetness. They also make a fun addition to a holiday dessert spread or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For my last Thanksgiving, I arranged the pumpkin pie twists in a circular pattern on a large platter, sprinkled with toasted pecan pieces and fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive look. You can also serve them in cute individual paper cups or as a “twist bouquet” by skewering several twists together for a unique gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin pie twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture. They still taste great, but I prefer them fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these pumpkin pie twists freeze well! I freeze them on a baking sheet first (so they don’t stick together), then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I pop them straight into a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes—easy and still delicious.
Reheating
To revive the flaky, buttery texture of your twists, I recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave. Just 5-7 minutes at 350°F on a baking sheet works wonders. This keeps them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside every time.
FAQs
-
Can I use homemade pie dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough can work, but keep in mind it won’t puff up the same way crescent dough does, so your twists will have a different texture—more tender and less flaky. Just roll it thin and handle carefully when twisting.
-
Is it necessary to use maple syrup in the filling?
Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices well, but if you don’t have any on hand, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes. You can also omit it for a less sweet twist.
-
How do I prevent the twists from unraveling while baking?
Make sure to twist tightly but gently—too loose makes them unravel, too tight might tear the dough. Also, pressing the edges of the rectangles together firmly before cutting helps keep everything intact during baking.
-
Can I make these Pumpkin Pie Twists ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the twists, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie Twists with Crescent Dough Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to when I want cozy fall flavors without the work of a traditional pie. It’s quick, fun to make, and totally delicious whether you’re baking solo or feeding a crowd. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do—once you try them, you’ll wonder how pumpkin treats got so easy and so good.
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 quick and delightful fall treat made with refrigerated crescent roll dough filled with a spiced pumpkin puree mixture. These twisted pastries are buttery, cinnamon-sugared, and perfect for dipping in whipped cream for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
Pumpkin Mixture
- 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
Optional
- Whipped cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pumpkin Filling: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice until well mixed and smooth.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean cutting board, then cut it in half to create two identical rectangles and place them side by side.
- Assemble Layers: Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over one rectangle of dough, then place the second rectangle on top, lining up the edges to sandwich the filling.
- Cut Strips: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the layered dough into strips approximately 3/4 inch wide.
- Twist Strips: Transfer the strips to the lined baking sheet. Twist each strip by holding one end and twisting twice, then twisting the other end two to three times to create a spiral effect.
- Brush Butter: Generously brush melted butter over each twisted strip to enhance browning and flavor.
- Sprinkle Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered twists.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the twists to cool slightly before serving. Serve with whipped cream on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Ensure all edges are sealed when layering the dough to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Use pumpkin pie spice for the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the pumpkin mixture.
- For a crispier twist, bake a minute or two longer but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a nice flavor balance; substitute with honey if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


