If you love fall flavors as much as I do, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s super easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting a fancy pastry. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the warm pumpkin spice melded perfectly with buttery puff pastry and creamy cream cheese. Trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be begging you to make it again—and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples and frozen puff pastry, no intimidating techniques required.
Quick Prep Time: You’ll have these beauties in the oven in about 10 minutes and ready to enjoy in under 30.
Perfect Fall Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg is cozy and comforting, ideal for chilly mornings.
Versatile and Fun: Twist ‘em, coil ‘em, or leave them flat—the options make this recipe fun and customizable.

The image shows a close-up of a cinnamon roll with two visible layers: the outer layer is light golden brown dough twisted in a spiral, coated with a layer of cinnamon and sugar, while the inner layer reveals a darker, rich cinnamon filling. Large sugar crystals are sprinkled over the top, giving a crunchy texture alongside the soft dough. The background is a white marbled surface with a slight blur that highlights the cinnamon roll's texture and detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists, pumpkin spice pastry, fall Danish pastries, easy pumpkin spice dessert, holiday baking recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic pumpkin spice vibe we all crave but with a lovely flaky texture thanks to the puff pastry. When choosing your pumpkin puree, go for 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling) to keep the flavor just right.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with a warm-toned cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with bright ginger powder, a small white ceramic bowl with finely ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth orange pumpkin puree, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, two sheets of pale golden thawed puff pastry stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with soft cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, and two whole brown eggs with clean shells, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists, pumpkin spice pastry, fall Danish pastries, easy pumpkin spice dessert, holiday baking recipes

Granulated Sugar: Makes the pumpkin spice sugar coating sweet and crunchy.
Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth.
Ginger: Adds just a slight zing that brightens the mix.
Nutmeg: Gives that earthy, nutty undertone typical of autumn flavors.
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, for authentic flavor and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and layers the flavor.
Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets: Thawed and ready to make magic – I always keep some in my freezer for spontaneous baking.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese spreads easily and adds creamy richness to the twists.
Butter: Melted and brushed on top for that golden, fragrant finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how customizable this Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different fillings and toppings, and it always turns out delicious. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll find that the basic concept is a fantastic canvas for creativity.

Adding Nuts: I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for an extra crunch and a nutty contrast.
Maple Glaze: Drizzling warm maple syrup or maple-flavored glaze over the twists after baking gives them an extra layer of sweetness that’s irresistible.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives to make these vegan-friendly.
Spice Adjustment: If you’re not a big fan of ginger or nutmeg, you can reduce the amounts or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a different twist on the spice mix.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar and Pumpkin Mix

Start by mixing your sugar and spices together—that’s your pumpkin spice sugar. I like to whisk it gently in a bowl so that the spices distribute evenly and each bite has perfect flavor. In a separate bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, vanilla, and some of that pumpkin spice sugar. This combo will make the filling rich and flavorful without being too watery or overpowering.

Step 2: Spread, Cut, and Twist the Puff Pastry

Lay out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each sheet, then add a layer of the pumpkin mixture on top. You’re getting close to magic now! Cut each sheet into narrow strips about half an inch wide, then fold each strip in half lengthwise to seal in the filling. The twisting part is so satisfying—twist each strip several times and lay them on your parchment-lined baking sheets. If some filling squeezes out, don’t worry—that’s part of the charm.

Step 3: Add Butter and Remaining Spice, Then Bake

Brush each twisted strip generously with melted butter—that helps achieve that gorgeously golden crust. Sprinkle the reserved pumpkin spice sugar evenly over the top so each bite has a little sweet crunch. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes. When they turn light golden brown, they’re done! The smell alone will drive you wild, so consider preheating your coffee maker before these come out.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe

Use Cold Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cool, so it’s easier to handle and doesn’t get sticky.
Don’t Overload Filling: Spreading thin layers of cream cheese and pumpkin mix helps the pastry bake evenly and prevents sogginess.
Twist Gently: Twisting the strips gently keeps the layers intact and your filling inside instead of spilling out too much.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so check a few minutes before the timer if you want that perfect golden-brown finish without burning.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cinnamon roll with visible layers of golden-brown dough twisted with dark brown cinnamon filling. The top of the roll is sprinkled with coarse sugar crystals, giving it a slightly crunchy texture. The roll has a soft and slightly shiny surface with a slight powdered sugar dusting. The background features a white marbled texture, with part of a white cup with a golden rim to the right side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists, pumpkin spice pastry, fall Danish pastries, easy pumpkin spice dessert, holiday baking recipes

Garnishes

For serving, I love adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for that little sparkle and extra sweetness. Sometimes I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top—you don’t want too much, just enough to add a glossy finish and a touch more sweetness.

Side Dishes

These twists shine on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even apple cider. For a brunch spread, stack them alongside fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

At a fall party, I’ve arranged these Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists inside a large autumn-themed basket lined with a cozy linen napkin—it makes a warm, inviting display. You can even serve them on a wooden board garnished with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a rustic look that impresses without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is pretty rare), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. I keep them at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these twists before baking—just shape them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This trick is a lifesaver when you want fresh pastries on short notice.

Reheating

To revive day-old twists, I pop them in a warm oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps up the puff pastry while warming the filling without drying them out, so they taste almost freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and twist the pastries, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, or freeze the twisted pastries for longer storage. Just remember to adjust baking time if baking from frozen.
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, canned sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just keep the consistency similar to avoid soggy pastries.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes! Homemade puff pastry will work wonderfully here, though it can be more delicate and tricky to handle. Just be gentle when twisting and keep the dough chilled as much as possible.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Folding each strip in half lengthwise before twisting helps seal the filling in. Plus, don’t overfill the strips; thinner layers spread more evenly and reduce the risk of leaks during baking.
Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute butter with a plant-based version. These swaps won’t compromise the flavor much and make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Danish Twists Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I crave a quick bite of fall. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to whip up—even if you’re not a baker by trade. I hope you’ll try it soon and enjoy the same warm smiles it brings my family every time. Trust me, once these are out of the oven, you’ll want to make them a fall tradition too!