These fun fruit pizza cookies are a sweet treat that everyone loves! They start with a soft, buttery cookie base topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruits.
Perfect for parties or just a sunny day, I can’t resist piling on the fruit! 🍓🍍 It’s like eating dessert and fruit salad all at once, and it’s so easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. While all-purpose flour works great, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Gluten-free flour blends are also an option for those avoiding gluten.
Powdered Sugar: This gives a nice sweetness and smooth texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar until fine.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a tender cookie. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: The creamy topping is essential! Either regular or low-fat cream cheese works. For a vegan option, try a plant-based cream cheese alternative which is widely available.
Fruits: Using assorted fruits not only adds flavor but also makes the cookies colorful. Feel free to mix in fruits like bananas, peaches, or even pineapple based on seasonality and your personal taste!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Delicious?
One of the keys to making these cookies soft is in the mixing and baking. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted—which helps when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix your dough; just blend until combined. This keeps the cookies light.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden; they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
Lastly, allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This helps the cream cheese spread properly without melting!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 10-12 minutes for baking, and you may want to chill the cookies until you’re ready to serve. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a mixer or a whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This will take a couple of minutes. Next, beat in the egg and the first teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is mixed well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should be smooth and easy to handle!
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball. Flatten each ball gently using the bottom of a glass or your hand so that they spread out while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the cookies are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and the second teaspoon of vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious layer on top of the cookies!
7. Assemble the Cookies
When the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of your cream cheese mixture on each cookie. Don’t be shy! Use as much as you like.
8. Add Fresh Fruits
Time to decorate! Top the cream cheese layer with your assortment of fresh fruits. You can arrange them however you like—be creative!
9. Garnish and Serve
If you want to make them extra special, you can add mint leaves for garnish. Serve the cookies right away or chill them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. They’re refreshing and perfect for any occasion!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just be sure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum to help with the dough’s texture. Consult the package for any specific measurements or adjustments needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re concerned about the fruits getting soggy, it’s best to assemble the cookies just before serving or keep the cream cheese spread and fruit separate until then.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you’re using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls.
What Other Fruits Can I Use on My Cookies?
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Other delicious fruit options include sliced bananas, peaches, or even pomegranate seeds. Just ensure that your fruit choices are fresh and complement the cream cheese flavor well!
