Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun treat that combines a soft cookie crust with colorful, fresh fruit and creamy frosting. They look as good as they taste!
Perfect for parties, these cookies give you a little slice of summer on a plate. I love making them with my kids—we get to pick our favorite fruits together! 🍓🍉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice control over the saltiness of your cookies. If you want a healthier option, coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative that still adds richness.
Granulated Sugar: This is key for sweetness and texture. You can use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but keep in mind it may change the color of your cookies slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is perfect for cookies. If you need gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work, but be ready for varied textures based on the substitution.
Cream Cheese: The frosting gets its creaminess from cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar as a fresh-tasting alternative.
Fruits: Use your favorite fruits! This recipe is quite flexible. If you can’t find fresh fruits, canned fruit in juice or frozen fruit (thawed) might work well too. Just be cautious about extra moisture!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The trick to achieving soft, chewy cookies is in the mixing and baking. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well until it gets fluffy—this incorporates air for a lighter texture. Make sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; gently fold until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Baking for the right time is crucial. Keep an eye on them to remove from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, let the cookies cool for about 15 minutes before frosting them. In total, plan for around 45-50 minutes to make these delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that everything mixes evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to form your cookie dough.
4. Forming the Cookies:
Scoop large tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each scoop to create a cookie shape. They don’t have to be perfect, just aim for an even thickness!
5. Baking:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Preparing the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat them together until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
7. Assembling Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
When the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each one. Now comes the fun part: top each cookie with a delightful assortment of fresh fruits, arranging them however you like to make them colorful and inviting.
8. Final Touch:
If you want, garnish your cookies with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve these tasty Fruit Pizza Cookies and enjoy! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for the unsalted butter in this recipe! Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different. Make sure it’s softened to the same consistency as butter for the best results.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
Feel free to use any fresh fruits you love! Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are great choices. Just ensure the fruits are ripe and wash them thoroughly before cutting to ensure they stay fresh on your cookies.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, but the texture might become a little softer due to moisture.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If it’s too hard to scoop after refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before baking.
