Description
These Easy Twisted Pumpkin Spice Danish pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy pumpkin-spice filling, perfect for an autumn breakfast or festive treat. Featuring flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree, these twists bake up golden and fragrant, offering a delightful balance of sweet and spiced goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Filling
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
Pastry and Finishing
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the danishes bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a fragrant pumpkin spice sugar mixture that will bring warm autumn flavors to the pastry.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice sugar mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients smoothly.
- Assemble the Pastries: Lay each sheet of thawed puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over both sheets. Then spread the pumpkin mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Cut each puff pastry sheet lengthwise into twelve 1/2-inch-wide strips (six strips per sheet). Fold each strip in half lengthwise enclosing the filling, then twist each strip several times to create a twisted shape. You may shape them into coils for swirls or leave them twisted. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Brush each twist generously with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining pumpkin spice sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve the danishes warm, optionally dusted or sprinkled with coarse sugar for added sparkle and sweet crunch.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry sheets completely but keep chilled until ready to assemble for easier handling.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth spreading.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Feel free to substitute pumpkin spice mix for the individual spices for convenience.
- Coarse sugar sprinkle adds an attractive finishing touch but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
