Fruit pizza cookies are fun, colorful treats that bring a smile to your face! They’re soft cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and loaded with your favorite fruits.
These little delights look like mini pizzas and taste amazing! I love to make them for parties, and they always disappear fast. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying a sweet moment to yourself! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for balance. If you’re out, coconut oil or margarine work too but may slightly change the cookie’s flavor and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard for cookies, but if you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just note that it might change the texture a bit.
Cream Cheese: This gives the frosting a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese available in stores. Greek yogurt can also be a lighter alternative.
Fresh Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are great, but feel free to mix in bananas, peaches, or even pineapple for a tropical twist!
How Do I Get the Cookies to Bake Evenly?
Making sure your cookies bake evenly is crucial for great results. Here are some handy tips:
- Soften Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a light texture.
- Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet. It ensures nothing sticks and promotes even baking.
- Equal Sizing: When shaping your cookies, use a cookie scoop for uniform balls. This helps them bake evenly.
- Cooling Racks: Let cookies cool on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting)
For Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 10-12 minutes of baking. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for around 15-20 minutes before frosting. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough comes together.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them to create circles that are about 3 inches wide.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on wire racks. This will help them firm up a bit!
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While waiting for the cookies to cool, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat it until the frosting is smooth and creamy—just what those cookies need!
7. Frost the Cookies:
Once your cookies are cool, it’s time for frosting! Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Make sure to cover them nicely.
8. Top with Fruit:
Now for the fun part! Decorate your frosted cookies with a beautiful assortment of fresh fruits. Slice strawberries, scatter blueberries, add raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges—get creative!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, you can add a mint leaf on top of each cookie for a touch of color. Serve right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to share them with friends and family. Enjoy your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
Yes, you can definitely use low-fat cream cheese! Just keep in mind that it might not be as creamy as the full-fat version. Make sure it’s softened well to ensure a smooth frosting. You may also want to add a little extra powdered sugar to achieve your desired sweetness and consistency.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your Fruit Pizza Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can frost the cookies just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! You can switch out the fruits based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Fruits like peaches, bananas, or even pineapple can work great. Just keep in mind that softer fruits may leak juice, so it’s best to use them right before serving.
What if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough seems too sticky to handle, don’t worry! You can add a bit more flour (start with a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a manageable consistency. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can also help firm it up before shaping and baking.
