Peanut Butter Twists

These twists look fancy but come together with minimal effort: a simple cream cheese dough rolled thin, spread with peanut butter and apple butter, then folded, cut into strips, and twisted twice before baking.

The cream cheese in the dough keeps everything tender and slightly tangy, balancing the sweet apple butter and nutty peanut butter filling. A brush of milk and sprinkle of sugar before baking gives the twists a bakery-worthy shine and crisp edges.

They bake fast at 400 degrees, turning light golden brown in just 7 to 10 minutes. Serve them warm for soft, flaky bites or let them cool to room temperature for more structure.

Pro Tips

• Roll the dough on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking. The dough is soft and can be tricky if your counter isn’t dusted properly.
• Spread the peanut butter and apple butter in thin, even layers so the filling doesn’t squish out when you fold and twist.
• Twist each strip gently but firmly. Two twists is perfect for visual appeal without making them too tight to bake evenly.
• Watch them closely in the oven. They go from golden to overbaked fast, and you want them light brown, not dark.

Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture and nutty crunch in every bite.
• Swap apple butter for strawberry or raspberry jam if you want a fruity twist instead of the spiced apple flavor.
• Dust the cooled twists with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation at brunch or afternoon tea.