Irresistible Homemade Pumpkin Twists with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home. These delightful pumpkin twists are the epitome of fall comfort food, generously packed with warm pumpkin spice and elegantly topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Imagine starting your day with a sweet breakfast treat or concluding a cozy dinner with these twisty delights – your family will absolutely adore them throughout the entire autumn season!

The inspiration for this beloved recipe came from my wonderful husband. He originally envisioned a classic pumpkin roll, but then, a brilliant idea sparked: “Twists would be even better!” he suggested. I immediately embraced his innovative thought and dove into the kitchen, experimenting until I perfected this super fun and utterly delicious pumpkin twist recipe. While these twists do require a little time and effort to prepare, I can wholeheartedly promise you that the result is incredibly rewarding and well worth every moment spent!

*Originally published October 2015. Photos and text have been thoroughly updated for enhanced clarity and improved SEO.*

These pumpkin twists are truly the perfect sweet indulgence for the fall season. Their rich, spiced flavor and tender texture make them an ideal treat for any time of day. If you’re planning a full comfort food spread and need some dinner ideas before your guests inevitably devour these tempting pumpkin twists, why not try preparing this Hearty Chicken Pot Pie with a Flaky Biscuit Topping or a warming bowl of Rich Hearty Beef Stew? Both options will perfectly complement the cozy, autumnal theme of your meal.

Crafting these homemade pumpkin twists is an experience in itself, from the moment the dough begins to rise, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, to the final drizzle of creamy frosting. They’re not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of fall, a treat that brings smiles and warmth to everyone who tastes them. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a special family breakfast, or simply as a delightful dessert, these pumpkin spice twists are sure to become a cherished autumn tradition in your home.

Key Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Twists

Creating these pumpkin spice twists involves three main components, each contributing uniquely to the overall incredible flavor and texture. Let’s break down the essential ingredients you’ll need:

The Soft and Flavorful Dough

• Warm Milk: The correct temperature (around 110°F or 43°C) is crucial for activating the dry active yeast. Too hot, and it kills the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly, leaving you with dense twists.
• Dry Active Yeast: This is the leavening agent that makes our pumpkin twists wonderfully soft and fluffy. When it becomes foamy, you know it’s alive and ready to work its magic.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness to the dough compared to white sugar, complementing the pumpkin flavor beautifully and providing food for the yeast.
• Canned Pumpkin: This is where the magic happens! Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) gives these twists their signature autumnal flavor, a gorgeous orange hue, and contributes to an incredibly moist and tender crumb.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder, adds richness, helps with the dough’s structure, and contributes to its golden color during baking.
• Melted Butter: Incorporates essential fat into the dough, resulting in a more tender texture and a richer flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of our dough. Measuring it correctly (preferably by weight) is key to achieving the right consistency.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The aromatic heart of our twists! This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the dough with classic fall flavors.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt balances the sweetness, enhances the other flavors, and controls yeast activity.

The Aromatic Pumpkin Spice Filling

• Softened Butter: Essential for creating a spreadable base that holds the spices in place and adds a rich, buttery layer between the dough folds.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweet element to the filling, creating that delightful caramelized texture as the twists bake.
• Cinnamon: A generous amount of ground cinnamon amplifies the warm, cozy spice profile, making the twists truly irresistible.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A second dose of this wonderful spice blend ensures that the pumpkin flavor is prominent and perfectly balanced throughout the twists. This filling is what truly elevates these pumpkin twists to a sensational level of autumnal spice!

The Luscious Cream Cheese Icing

• Softened Cream Cheese: The foundation of our dreamy frosting, providing a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the sweet and spiced twists. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it gives the icing its smooth, velvety texture and sweetens it without grittiness.
• Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the icing, allowing you to achieve a perfect drizzling or spreading consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Twists

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of perfectly spiced and frosted pumpkin twists. Patience is key, especially with yeast dough, but the results are always worth it!

Preparing the Pumpkin Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In the large bowl of a standing mixer (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the warm milk, dry active yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let this mixture stand undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and healthy when a foamy layer appears on the surface. If it doesn’t foam, your milk might have been too hot or too cold, or your yeast may be old – it’s best to start again.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add the canned pumpkin, large egg, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients & Knead: Next, add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment until the ingredients are just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium-low and continue to mix with the dough hook for a full 10 minutes. This kneading process is vital for developing the gluten in the flour, which will give your twists their characteristic chewiness and elasticity. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. First Rise: Carefully remove the dough from the mixer, form it into a ball, and place it back into the bowl (you can lightly grease the bowl first to prevent sticking). Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 25 minutes. It should become noticeably puffy.
5. Prepare for Shaping: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. This step helps redistribute the yeast and creates a finer texture. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
6. Roll the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, measuring approximately 24 inches by 12 inches. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface.

Creating the Flavorful Filling and Twisting:

1. Apply the Filling: Generously brush the entire surface of your rolled-out dough with the softened butter. Ensure an even coat. Then, sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice evenly over the buttered dough. This creates that irresistible spiced layer.
2. Fold and Cut: Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, bringing one long edge over to meet the other (like closing a hot dog bun). Gently press the edges together. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. You should end up with approximately 24 strips.
3. Shape the Twists: Take one strip of dough. Pinch the two loose ends together at one end, then gently twist the strip a couple of times. The number of twists depends on the length of your strips and your preference for how “twisty” you want them. Place each twisted strip onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion. Repeat this process for all remaining strips.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake your pumpkin twists in a preheated oven (usually 375°F or 190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
5. Cool: Once baked, remove the pumpkin twists from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that they are cool before you drizzle them with icing; otherwise, the icing will melt and run off.

Whipping Up the Creamy Icing:

1. Combine & Drizzle: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk by hand until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the milk quantity if needed to achieve your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle this delightful icing generously over the cooled pumpkin twists.

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Pumpkin Twists

Elevate your pumpkin twist experience with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• For those with a lighter sweet tooth: While the cream cheese frosting adds an undeniable layer of indulgence, these pumpkin twists are incredibly flavorful and delicious even without it. If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to enjoy them plain, allowing the rich pumpkin and spice flavors to truly shine.
• No pumpkin pie spice on hand? No problem! It’s surprisingly simple to create your own homemade blend using common pantry spices. For a quick and easy recipe, check out my guide on how to make an easy homemade pumpkin pie spice. You’ll be amazed at the difference fresh spices make!
• Add a delightful crunch: For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider adding finely crushed walnuts or pecans to your filling. Sprinkle them over the butter and spice mixture before folding the dough. You could even lightly toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.
• Craving a classic cinnamon roll experience? If you adore the flavors of these twists but prefer the traditional roll shape, you’ll love my Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll recipe. They offer a similar indulgent, fall-flavored profile with that beloved swirled design.
• Not a huge pumpkin fan? That’s perfectly alright! You can still enjoy the delightful twisty shape and warm spices by trying my classic Cinnamon Twists instead. They offer all the comfort without the pumpkin.
• Enjoy this seasonal treat all winter long: These delicious pumpkin twists are freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight on the counter or warm gently in the oven for a quick, cozy snack.
• Make ahead dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, after the first rise, punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling and shaping.
• Creative Garnishes: Beyond the cream cheese frosting, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even some candied pecans on top for a beautiful presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Twists

• What beverages pair well with these Pumpkin Twists?

  These Pumpkin Twists are incredibly versatile! Personally, I find them absolutely divine with a steaming cup of hot coffee, a rich hot cocoa, or simply a tall, cold glass of milk. To fully embrace the autumnal mood, consider serving them alongside some warm, Spiced Homemade Apple Cider. For a brunch setting, a mimosa or a pumpkin spice latte would also be a lovely complement.

• What is the best way to store these pumpkin twists?

  To keep your twists fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and flavorful for up to 2 days. While technically you *can* refrigerate them, the cold can sometimes dry out the dough, so room temperature is preferred for immediate enjoyment. As mentioned in our tips, if you need to store them longer, these twists freeze exceptionally well in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure they are completely cooled before freezing, and thaw them overnight on the counter before serving.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

  Yes, you absolutely can! If you have homemade pumpkin puree, it works beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure that your fresh puree is thick and not too watery. If it seems thin, you might want to gently cook it down a bit on the stovetop to reduce excess moisture, as too much liquid can alter the dough’s consistency.

• My yeast didn’t foam. What went wrong?

  If your yeast mixture didn’t become foamy after 5 minutes, it likely means the yeast is either inactive (too old) or the water temperature was incorrect. The ideal temperature for activating dry active yeast is between 105°F and 115°F (40°C-46°C). If the water is too hot, it kills the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Discard the mixture and start again with fresh yeast and accurately measured water temperature.

• How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

  After 25 minutes, the dough should look noticeably puffier and larger than it was initially. To test if it’s ready, gently poke two fingers into the dough about half an inch deep. If the indentations remain, the dough is ready. If they spring back quickly, it needs a little more time to rise.

Other Delicious Pumpkin and Fall-Inspired Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Cinnamon Roll Cookies: All the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie form!
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: For those who love the classic roll, but with an autumnal twist.
• Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake: A simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert that comes together with minimal effort.
• Savory Pumpkin Rolls: A unique take on pumpkin in a dinner roll, perfect for holiday meals.
• Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: While not pumpkin, these fluffy biscuits are a comfort food staple that pairs wonderfully with any warm fall meal.

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