What type of pastry is best for the fox-shaped bites?

Ready-rolled puff pastry works best, providing a flaky and tender texture that complements the spiced fruit filling.

Can I make a vegan version of these autumn treats?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk for the wash to keep the bites vegan-friendly.

Use a sharp knife and create a template from parchment paper to cut the pastry into fox shapes by hand.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, aromatic flavors; a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can deepen the autumn profile.

Mini chocolate chips hold their shape during baking and add visual detail, like eyes, while melting slightly to enhance texture.

Whimsical, tender pastry bites filled with spiced apple and pear, shaped like playful foxes—perfect for autumn gatherings or a fun family treat.

I enjoy making these fox-shaped bites every fall with my family; the kids love shaping the foxes and picking their favorite candy for the faces.

Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry and 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)

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.
Prepare 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 Pastry:: 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 Pastries:: 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 and Serve:: Let cool slightly before serving.

These bites bring joy to our family Oktoberfest gatherings every year and spark creativity in the kids as they decorate each fox.

Serve these warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze before baking for longer storage.

This dessert includes fruit with natural fiber and limited added sugar providing a balanced sweet treat.

These fox-shaped bites combine festive fun with delicious flavors making them a memorable treat for all ages.

→ What type of pastry is best for the fox-shaped bites?: Ready-rolled puff pastry works best, providing a flaky and tender texture that complements the spiced fruit filling.
→ Can I make a vegan version of these autumn treats?: Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk for the wash to keep the bites vegan-friendly.
→ How do I shape the pastry into fox designs without a cutter?: Use a sharp knife and create a template from parchment paper to cut the pastry into fox shapes by hand.
→ What spices enhance the apple and pear filling?: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, aromatic flavors; a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can deepen the autumn profile.
→ Are chocolate chips suitable for decoration in warm pastry dishes?: Mini chocolate chips hold their shape during baking and add visual detail, like eyes, while melting slightly to enhance texture.