Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the twists from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Lightly dust a clean, dry work surface with all-purpose flour.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastry Sandwich
Carefully unfold one sheet of the thawed puff pastry onto your floured surface. If there are any cracks, gently press them together.

Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened Boursin cheese in an even, thin layer over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a very small ¼-inch border around the edges.

Carefully unfold the second sheet of puff pastry and place it directly on top of the Boursin-covered sheet, lining up the edges as best you can. Gently press down on the top sheet with your hands or a rolling pin to seal the two sheets together and eliminate any air pockets.

Step 3: Cut the Strips
Using a sharp knife or, even better, a pizza cutter for clean lines, trim any uneven edges to create a neat rectangle.

Cut the puff pastry rectangle lengthwise into long strips, about 1-inch wide. You should get approximately 10-12 strips from the rectangle.

Step 4: Twist and Place
Working with one strip at a time, pick it up and hold it by both ends. Gently twist the strip several times (about 3-4 twists is perfect) in opposite directions to create a spiral shape.

Place the twisted strip onto one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining strips, arranging them about 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow room for them to puff up.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Top
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create the egg wash.

Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each pastry twist with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful shine and a deep golden color.

If using, immediately sprinkle the twists with your desired topping, such as flaky sea salt, black pepper, everything bagel seasoning, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.

The twists are done when they are deeply golden brown, puffed up, and fragrant.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the twists cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly more. They are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature.