Illustration of a smiling chef with a white hat and red scarf in an oval frame above the text “Birrittella’s Since 1910” on a red ribbon.
Three twisted pastries with icing and chocolate chips on a white plate, surrounded by small pumpkins on a fall-themed leaf tablecloth.

Pistachio Sweet Pizza Twists

Sweet pizza dough twists filled with cinnamon sugar, dried cranberries, and pistachios, baked until golden brown and finished with a simple orange vanilla glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Proofing Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 2 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dessert, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 Pieces

Equipment

  • 2 Baking Sheets Cookie sheets
  • 1 Parchment Paper For lining baking sheets
  • 1 Rolling Pin For rolling pizza dough
  • 1 Pastry Brush For melted butter
  • 2 Mixing Bowls For cinnamon sugar and glaze
  • 1 Knife or Pizza Cutter For cutting dough

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16oz Birrittella'sTtraditional Pizza Dough Proofed according to package directions for 3 1/2 hours
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pistachios Chopped; or use a mixture of nuts
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Milk
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Orange Zested

Instructions
 

  • Proof the dough - Proof the Birrittella's traditional pizza dough according to the package directions for 3 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Make the cinnamon sugar - In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for topping the twists.
  • Roll and cut the dough - On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle. Cut the dough into 4 equal squares. Place 2 squares on each prepared baking sheet.
  • Add the filling - Brush approximately 3 tablespoons of the melted butter over 1 dough square on each baking sheet. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, reserving about 1 tablespoon for topping.
  • Add cranberries and pistachios - Evenly distribute the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios over the cinnamon sugar. Gently press them into the filling.
  • Top and cut - Place the remaining 2 unbuttered dough squares over the filled dough squares. Press gently around the edges to seal. Cut each assembled square into 4 pieces, making 8 pieces total.
  • Twist - Twist each piece several times. Brush the twists with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake the twists - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Bake until the twists are golden brown. Oven temperatures can vary, so watch them carefully toward the end of the baking time.
  • Prepare the glaze - In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
  • Glaze and serve - Allow the twists to cool slightly, then drizzle the orange vanilla glaze over them while they are still slightly warm.

Notes

Storage: Store the twists in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: To freeze, place the twists in a single layer and flash freeze until firm. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
Nut Options: Pistachios can be replaced with your favorite chopped nuts or a combination of nuts.
Baking Tip: Every oven is different. Begin checking the twists around the 10-minute mark and remove them when they are golden brown.
Keyword Dough, Pizza, Pretzels