Fruit pizza cookies are a fun treat that looks like a mini dessert pizza! They combine a soft sugar cookie base with a creamy frosting and top it off with colorful fruits.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or just for a sweet snack at home. I love letting my kids help pick and arrange the fruits—it’s like decorating their own little pizza! 🍕🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives a creamy texture to the cookies. You can use coconut oil or margarine if you want a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor a bit!
Sugar: Granulated sugar brings sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure. If you need a healthier choice, you can substitute half the amount with honey or maple syrup. Just reduce the other liquid in the recipe accordingly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking to make gluten-free cookies, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but check if it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
Cream Cheese: This makes the frosting rich and tangy. If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Just know the flavor will be a bit different!
Fresh Fruits: Any mix of fruits works well here – I love using strawberries and kiwi for their color and taste. If you are short on fresh fruit, canned fruit (drained well) can also be used in a pinch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture for your cookies can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips! The key is in the mixing and baking process. Follow these steps:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a fluffy mix—this helps introduce air for a softer cookie.
- Add the eggs one at a time to keep your mixture stable and smooth.
- Don’t overmix! Once you combine both wet and dry, mix just enough to see no flour streaks. This helps to keep your cookies light.
- Flatten the dough balls gently before baking. This helps them spread evenly and gives a nice base for frosting.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven; look for light golden edges. Don’t overbake!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, etc.)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the cookies to cool, which will take an additional 10-15 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour to enjoy your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick. This will make cleaning up a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the first teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough!
5. Form the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into balls about 2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to create a base for your cookie “pizzas.”
6. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies cool, grab a clean bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the second teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious frosting for your cookies!
8. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Feel free to go wild and make it thick!
9. Decorate with Fresh Fruits:
Now comes the fun part! Arrange your assorted fresh fruits on top of the frosting in a pretty way. Use as many different colors and shapes as you like—it’s all about making it look tasty!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add a few mint leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve your Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of fresh fruits you enjoy. Consider seasonal fruits for the best flavor. Just make sure they are washed, dried, and cut appropriately to create a beautiful presentation on top of your cookies.
What if I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind these options will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the frosting.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge to extend their freshness. Just remember to add the fruits just before serving for the best texture and taste!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Form the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
