Fruit Pizza Cookies are fun and colorful treats that combine a soft sugar cookie base with a creamy topping and fresh fruit. They’re perfect for sharing and look like little masterpieces!
Making these cookies is a breeze, and the kids love helping out—especially when it comes to adding the fruit! 🍓 I enjoy serving them at parties; they always bring smiles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt levels. If you only have salted butter, just leave out the added salt in the recipe. I find the creaminess of butter really enhances the cookie flavor!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. My personal favorite is almond flour, but it will change the cookie’s texture a bit.
Cream Cheese: It adds a tangy flavor to the frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt. It won’t be as rich, but it’s a healthy option! A vegan cream cheese would also work well if dairy is a concern.
Fresh Fruits: You can mix and match your favorite fruits! I love using berries for their vibrant color and taste, but feel free to use whatever is in season or your personal favorites. Just remember some fruits like bananas and apples might brown quickly.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Come Out Perfectly?
Achieving the right cookie texture relies on a few key steps. First, be sure your butter is softened, but not melting—this is essential for creaming well. Also, avoid overmixing after adding flour; you want to keep cookies soft.
- When baking, keep a close watch on the cookies. They should be lightly golden at the edges but may look slightly undercooked in the middle.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting off.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool completely before frosting them, which may take around 30 minutes. All in all, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make clean-up much easier later!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter using a mixer or a whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This is important for a nice texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking powder and ensures an even rise in your cookies.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in your large bowl. Stir everything together until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this could make your cookies tough!
5. Shape and Bake:
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, and flatten each scoop slightly to form a cookie shape. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack; this is crucial for the frosting to stay smooth!
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and additional vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This will be your yummy frosting!
7. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Here’s where the fun begins!
8. Decorate with Fresh Fruits:
Now, it’s time to decorate! Arrange your assortment of fresh fruits on top of each cookie in a colorful pattern. Get creative—make it as pretty as you like!
9. Optional Garnish:
If you want an extra touch, garnish with mint leaves for a pop of freshness and a lovely presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to share. Enjoy this delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that the cookies may turn out a bit denser. If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve already frosted them, refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh for an extra day. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften up a bit!
Can I Use Other Types of Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit selection. Other great options include sliced bananas, mango, or even pineapple. Just make sure to cut the fruit into small pieces so they sit nicely on top of the frosting!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften a bit before scooping onto your baking sheet.
