How do I shape the fox pastries without a cookie cutter?

Use parchment paper to create a fox-shaped template and cut around it with a sharp knife for consistent shapes.

What spices enhance the fruit filling best?

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth, while a pinch of ground ginger or cloves adds extra autumn depth.

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the pastries before baking. Bake fresh just before serving for best texture.

Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk wash for a vegan-friendly finish that promotes golden browning.

Serve them slightly warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce to complement the spiced fruit.

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

I first made these fox-shaped bites for a fall party and everyone loved the playful shapes and warm spiced filling.

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)

Preheat Oven:: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare 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.
Assemble Bites:: 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.
Add Details:: 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.

One of our favorite family activities is shaping these little foxes together and sharing stories while baking.

Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra autumn warmth. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce.

Fox-shaped cookie cutter or sharp knife and template, medium skillet, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush

Contains wheat (gluten) egg and dairy (butter). Chocolate candies may contain soy and milk. Always check labels for allergen cross-contamination.

These fox-shaped bites are a delightful seasonal treat that bring warmth and fun to any table.

→ How do I shape the fox pastries without a cookie cutter?: Use parchment paper to create a fox-shaped template and cut around it with a sharp knife for consistent shapes.
→ What spices enhance the fruit filling best?: Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth, while a pinch of ground ginger or cloves adds extra autumn depth.
→ Can I prepare these pastries in advance?: Yes, assemble and refrigerate the pastries before baking. Bake fresh just before serving for best texture.
→ What alternatives are there for the egg wash?: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk wash for a vegan-friendly finish that promotes golden browning.
→ How should these pastries be served?: Serve them slightly warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or caramel dipping sauce to complement the spiced fruit.