Fruit pizza cookies are a fun and tasty treat! They’re soft cookies topped with a creamy frosting and colorful fruits. You can use any fruit you like!
They’re perfect for summer picnics or just a sweet dessert at home. I love how simple they are to make, and they always look so pretty on a plate! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can work well instead. Just note that the texture may change slightly!
Granulated and powdered sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and texture, while powdered sugar adds a smooth finish to the cream cheese layer. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar or erythritol can be used.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, a plant-based butter or coconut oil will do the trick, just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Fruits: The fun part! You can mix and match fruits based on what’s in season or what’s available. I love adding bananas or peaches too. If fresh fruits aren’t available, you can use canned fruit, but make sure to drain them well.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Bake Evenly?
To ensure that your cookies bake evenly, it’s essential to shape them consistently and use the right baking temperature. Here are some tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and egg.
- When shaping the dough, use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, or roll them with your hands to keep them even.
- Press them down lightly with a glass to create a flat surface; this helps them spread evenly in the oven.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution, and keep an eye on the edges as they’ll bake faster. Remove them as soon as they turn lightly golden.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Fruit Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time, plus some cooling time. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45 minutes until your Fruit Pizza Cookies are ready to serve. It’s a fun and colorful treat that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. It should feel soft but not sticky.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Shape the dough into small rounds, about 2 inches in diameter, and place them on your prepared baking sheet. If you have a flat bottom glass, use it to gently flatten each round slightly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, take them out and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
While the cookies are cooling, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Beat them until you have a smooth and creamy mixture, perfect for spreading!
5. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the top of each cookie. Then, artistically arrange your assorted fresh fruits on top of each cookie, making them as colorful and appealing as possible.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies can be served immediately for a delightful treat. If you’re not serving right away, you can refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy! They make for a tasty dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option or simply don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just ensure the substitute is thick enough to hold its shape when spread on the cookie.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftovers, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to add the fruit just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits! Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are always popular. Sliced bananas, peaches, and even citrus segments like oranges or grapefruit can also add a refreshing twist. Just make sure the fruits are fresh and not too juicy to avoid sogginess.
