Achieving truly exceptional pumpkin twists, the kind that disappear in a flash, comes down to a few key insights I’ve gathered over the years. These aren’t just steps; they’re little acts of love that elevate your baking from good to truly memorable, especially when creating The Best Pumpkin Twists.
My Secret Trick: I always warm my milk to around 105-115°F (40-46°C) – it’s just perfect for waking up that active dry yeast, ensuring a light, airy dough every single time. A lukewarm touch, never too hot!
When kneading the dough, listen to it. It should be supple and elastic, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Don’t rush this step; a well-kneaded dough leads to incredibly tender twists. I often let it rest for an extra 10 minutes after kneading if it feels a little stiff.
For that beautiful swirled effect, make sure your filling is spread evenly to the edges of the dough before rolling. It’s a small detail, but it ensures every bite is bursting with that warm cinnamon-sugar goodness.
And finally, don’t skimp on the cream cheese icing! It’s the perfect sweet, tangy counterpoint to the spiced pumpkin. I always make sure it’s smooth and pourable, not too thick, for an elegant drizzle.
Fun Variations for The Best Pumpkin Twists
One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative in the kitchen, and The Best Pumpkin Twists are wonderfully adaptable! It’s like inviting friends to a potluck – everyone brings their own special touch. Here are a few ways to add a personal flair:
Nutty Surprises
For a delightful crunch, my sister always asks me to sprinkle a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling. It adds a wonderful texture and a warm, nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Zesty Brightness
If you’re like my friend who loves a hint of citrus, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese icing. It brightens the flavor beautifully and complements the pumpkin notes wonderfully.
Chocolatey Swirls
For the chocolate lovers in your life, you can gently fold in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough during the last minute of kneading, or sprinkle them over the filling before rolling. A rich dark chocolate is particularly lovely with pumpkin.
Maple Magic
Instead of just granulated sugar in the filling, try a combination of granulated sugar and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. It deepens the autumnal flavor and adds another layer of cozy sweetness to these twists.
The Best Pumpkin Twists
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, active dry yeast, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk briefly to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, pumpkin puree, and 1/4 cup melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested pumpkin dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×10 inches (45×25 cm).
- Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter filling over the entire surface of the dough rectangle.
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise, so it becomes a long, skinny rectangle, about 18×5 inches (45×12.5 cm).
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 12-14 strips, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Take each strip and gently twist it several times, then place it on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each twist.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through baking, you may need to rotate the baking sheets for even browning.
- While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Once the pumpkin twists are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, drizzle or brush the vanilla glaze over the warm twists. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
What to Serve With The Best Pumpkin Twists
These pumpkin twists are truly a star on their own, but sometimes, a little accompaniment makes a sweet treat feel even more special. When I’m serving The Best Pumpkin Twists, I often think about what would enhance that cozy, comforting feeling they bring.
I absolutely love serving them with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, especially on a chilly morning. The warmth and slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly balance the sweet, spiced twists. For an afternoon treat, a mug of warm spiced apple cider is a delightful pairing that really leans into those autumnal vibes. My mom always pairs them with hot cocoa in winter, a truly indulgent combination! And if you’re looking for a simple dessert presentation, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm twist is pure bliss. A simple dollop of freshly whipped cream also adds a touch of elegance and lightness.
How to Store The Best Pumpkin Twists
To keep your pumpkin twists tasting as fresh and delightful as the day they were baked, proper storage is key! After all, we want to savor every bit of The Best Pumpkin Twists.
Keeping Them Fresh on the Counter
Once completely cooled, store your pumpkin twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This helps keep the dough soft and the icing from getting sticky.
Chilling for Longer Enjoyment
If you plan to keep them for longer, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. I like to bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving to restore that lovely tender texture.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can freeze them! Place cooled, unglazed twists in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then warm gently and glaze fresh. My personal tip for reheating is to wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a moderate oven for about 10-15 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Nutritional Benefits
While these pumpkin twists are undeniably a treat for the soul, they also offer a few delightful nutritional perks! The use of real pumpkin puree in The Best Pumpkin Twists means you’re getting a dose of Vitamin A, known for vision and immune support, while the whole grains in the flour provide some dietary fiber. It’s my way of showing that a sweet indulgence can also bring a little goodness, a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make the dough for The Best Pumpkin Twists ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Faq 2
What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No pumpkin pie spice? No problem! You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This homemade blend will still give your pumpkin twists that lovely warm, autumnal flavor.
Faq 3
My twists aren’t rising. What went wrong?
If your pumpkin twists aren’t rising, the most common culprit is inactive yeast. Ensure your milk is lukewarm (105-115°F), not too hot or too cold, to properly activate the yeast. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast!
Faq 4
Can I make these twists without the cream cheese icing?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese icing adds a wonderful tang and sweetness, The Best Pumpkin Twists are still delicious on their own. You could also opt for a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk, or just a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
And there you have it, sweet friends – The Best Pumpkin Twists with Cream Cheese Icing, a recipe born from warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of love. This isn’t just about baking; it’s about bringing a little piece of home, comfort, and joy into your kitchen. I hope as you bake these, you’ll feel that magic, create beautiful memories, and share these delightful treats with those you hold dear. Happy baking, from my heart to your home!