Fruit Pizza Cookies are delicious treats that combine sweet sugar cookies with creamy frosting and lots of colorful fruit on top. They look as good as they taste!
These cookies always make me smile! 🍪 They’re so fun to decorate with your favorite fruits. I love making them for parties; everyone enjoys the burst of fruity flavors. Give it a try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is perfect for structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check the blend for xanthan gum for better texture!
Granulated Sugar: Commonly used for sweetness. You can swap it with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well in this recipe.
Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy base for the frosting. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cream cheese for a similar texture and taste.
Fresh Fruits: Use whichever fruits you love! While strawberries and blueberries are favorites, feel free to include bananas, apples, or seasonal fruits. Just be mindful of moisture if using juicy fruits.
How Can You Ensure Perfect Cookie Texture?
A key part of getting the texture right is how you mix the dough. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy. This step adds air, leading to softer cookies.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—mix until just combined.
- Rolling the dough into even balls ensures even baking and a nice shape.
- For the best texture, let the cookies cool completely before frosting them.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, 10-12 minutes to bake, and another 15 minutes to assemble with frosting and fruit. In total, you can expect about 45 minutes from start to finish, with time to cool the cookies in between. Perfect for a fun treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until it’s well blended. This forms a sweet and smooth base for your cookies!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture helps the cookies rise. Gradually pour this dry mix into the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It’s okay if it’s a bit crumbly; you will shape it soon!
3. Shape the Cookies:
Now, divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions. With clean hands, roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about ¼ inch thick. Place these discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to expand while baking.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. When they’re done, take them out and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Patience pays off here!
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, you can whip up the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting will bring a wonderful flavor to your cookies!
6. Assemble the Cookies:
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to add the frosting. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. You want each cookie to be well-coated with the creamy goodness.
7. Top with Fruit:
Now, take your assortment of fresh fruits and decorate each cookie. Arrange the fruits artfully to make them look even more delightful! The colors of the fruits will really pop against the frosted cookies.
8. Optional Garnish:
If you like, you can add some mint leaves on top of the fruits for a fresh garnish. This adds a nice touch and a hint of extra flavor!
9. Serve:
Your Fruit Pizza Cookies are now ready! Enjoy them right away or refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. They’re a fun and tasty treat that everyone will love!
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 ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the cookies from crumbling. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. They can last for up to 3 days. To prevent the fruits from getting soggy, consider adding them just before serving.
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings. Seasonal fruits or even canned options (drained and patted dry) can work well. Just remember to cut them into small pieces for easy eating!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’d like to make a dairy-free version or don’t have cream cheese, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just adjust the sugar based on your taste preference, as yogurt can be less sweet than cream cheese.
