These Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and tasty treat! They’re like mini pizzas, but instead of sauce and cheese, you get sweet sugar cookies topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruits.
Who wouldn’t love a cookie that looks like a work of art? I usually let my kids help decorate them, and it’s always a blast! Plus, it’s a great excuse to eat your fruit. 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. I often choose unsalted so I can control the saltiness of my baked goods.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: These sugars give sweetness and moisture. You can use only granulated sugar if needed, but the brown sugar adds a nice depth and chewy texture. Coconut sugar is a great alternative if you want a less refined option.
Cream Cheese: For frosting, I find that full-fat cream cheese works best for that rich and creamy taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Fresh Fruits: Use any fruits you love! Strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi are my favorites. If some fruits aren’t in season, canned or frozen fruits can work, but ensure they’re drained well!
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step for making cookies light and fluffy. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with softened butter, about room temperature. Cut it into chunks, so it mixes easily.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add granulated and brown sugars, mixing until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Be patient! Proper creaming incorporates air into the mix, giving your cookies the right texture. If you’re in a hurry, it might be tempting to skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake, plus additional time to cool the cookies and frost them. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious fruit pizza cookies in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring well until the dough comes together. It should be nice and thick!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out portions of dough and shape them into 2-3 inch round cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, you can make the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the perfect topping!
7. Assemble the Cookies:
Once your cookies have cooled down, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each one. Make sure every bite will be creamy and delicious!
8. Top with Fresh Fruit:
Now for the fun part! Decorate each frosted cookie with a bright and colorful assortment of fresh fruit. Get creative with the arrangement to make them look as delightful as they taste!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you’ve finished adding the fruit, your fruit pizza cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh and feel free to refrigerate any leftovers for a refreshing treat later!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese for Another Frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped cream or a yogurt-based frosting. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold onto the fruits, or else it might get too runny!
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
You can use any fresh fruit you like! Sliced bananas, peaches, or even grapes can be great additions. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they fit nicely on the cookies!
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. Keep in mind that some fruits may release moisture, so it’s best to eat them within a day or two for optimal freshness!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.
