Pin 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 for family gatherings as they bring smiles and warm autumn flavors to the table.
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&ndash8 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&ndash18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin These bites always bring the family together, especially during cozy autumn evenings.
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.
Pin Enjoy these whimsical treats warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Sautéing the fruit filling until syrupy reduces excess moisture, helping keep the pastry crisp during baking.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh to maintain the pastry's flakiness.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for the butter used in filling?
Plant-based butter works well for a vegan variation without compromising flavor.
- → What other fruits could replace apples and pears?
Soft fruits like peaches or plums complement the spices nicely, though texture will vary.
- → How do I shape the bites without a fox cutter?
Create a template from parchment paper and carefully cut around it with a knife.
