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 love making these with my family; the kids enjoy cutting the fox shapes and placing the chocolate features.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Brush the edges with beaten egg. Top with the remaining 12 fox shapes. Press edges to seal, using a fork if desired.
- Step 6:
- Brush tops with more egg wash. Add chocolate chips for eyes and a candy-coated chocolate for the nose, gently pressing into the dough.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save Making these fox-shaped bites has become a cherished family tradition every autumn.
Notes
Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra autumn warmth. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce.
Required Tools
Fox-shaped cookie cutter or sharp knife and template, medium skillet, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush.
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 autumn fox-shaped bites add a playful and tasty touch to any seasonal gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of pastry is best for these fox bites?
Ready-rolled puff pastry works best, providing a light and flaky texture that complements the spiced fruit filling beautifully.
- → Can I make a vegan version of these bites?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk wash instead of egg for brushing the pastry edges and tops.
- → How do I shape the fox bites without a special cutter?
You can create a template using parchment paper and cut the fox shapes with a sharp knife for similar results.
- → What spices enhance the apple and pear filling?
Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth, and a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add extra autumnal flavor notes.
- → How should these bites be served for best enjoyment?
They’re delightful warm or cooled, and pairing with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce adds a luscious contrast.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
These bites contain wheat gluten, egg, dairy, and chocolate candies that may include soy and milk, so check ingredient labels carefully.