Save Whimsical, tender pastry bites filled with spiced apple and pear, shaped like playful foxes—perfect for autumn gatherings or a fun family treat.
I remember making these fox-shaped bites with my kids every fall—it's a fun way to celebrate the season together.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling: 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced; 1 ripe pear peeled, cored, and diced; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Decoration: 24 mini chocolate chips (for eyes), 12 small orange or red candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook filling:
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and pear, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruit is softened and syrupy. Let cool slightly.
- Cut pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Using a fox-shaped cookie cutter (or a template and a knife), cut out 24 fox shapes.
- Fill pastries:
- Place 12 fox shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the fruit filling (about 1 tablespoon) into the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.
- Seal edges:
- Brush the edges with beaten egg. Top with the remaining 12 fox shapes. Press edges to seal, using a fork if desired.
- Decorate:
- Brush tops with more egg wash. Add chocolate chips for eyes and a candy-coated chocolate for the nose, gently pressing into the dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save These treats always bring smiles at our family gatherings, sparking fun conversations and happy memories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce for an indulgent autumn dessert.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Chocolate candies may contain soy and milk. Always check labels for allergen cross-contamination.
Save These fox-shaped bites are a delightful way to celebrate the season with loved ones and add whimsy to your dessert table.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the filling flavorful?
Sauté diced apples and pears with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until soft and syrupy to bring out rich autumn flavors.
- → Can I use a different shape if I don’t have a fox cutter?
Yes, you can use a template or any other cookie cutter shape that suits your preference.
- → What pastry works best for these bites?
Ready-rolled puff pastry is ideal for creating flaky, golden bites with a delicate texture.
- → How do I achieve the shiny golden crust?
Brush the pastry tops and edges with beaten egg wash before baking for a glossy, golden finish.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this preparation?
Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk wash in place of butter and egg to make a vegan-friendly version.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve with vanilla ice cream or a caramel dipping sauce to complement the warm spices and flaky pastry.