These fun fruit pizza cookies are a sweet treat that everyone loves! They feature a yummy cookie base topped with cream cheese and colorful fruit. What could be better?
You can get creative with fruits; I like to use strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries. They look so pretty, and they’re perfect for a summer party or a snack! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum in it for better texture!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. This change can add a nice hint of coconut flavor, too!
Cream Cheese: This gives your cookies a creamy topping. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It won’t be as rich, but it adds a tangy twist and cuts down on fat.
Fruits: The choice of fruits can vary based on your taste or what’s available. If fresh fruits are hard to find, you can use canned or frozen fruits. Just make sure to drain them well before using!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Bake Evenly?
Baking your cookies evenly is key to perfect texture. Here are some handy tips:
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. This helps them bake at the same rate.
- Space them apart on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate; about 2 inches apart is ideal.
- Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking. Ovens can have hot spots, so this ensures even browning.
Follow these steps, and your cookies will come out beautifully golden and delicious every time!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the icing)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plan on an additional 30 minutes for cooling before you can dig in. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for everything to come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination will help your cookies rise perfectly. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a lovely texture in your cookies!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure everything is well combined for a delicious flavor.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want tender cookies!
6. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, forming circular shapes about 3 inches in diameter. Flatten each one slightly with your fingers. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious topping for your cookies!
8. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Now comes the fun part! Arrange your assorted fresh fruits on top of the cream cheese layer to make your cookies look beautiful and colorful.
9. Optional Garnish:
If you’d like a little extra flair, add mint leaves on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Serve immediately or pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. These fruit pizza cookies are sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of unsalted butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a baking variety for the best results. The texture will be similar, and it will still yield delicious cookies!
What Fruits Work Best on Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Feel free to get creative! In addition to strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges, you can use bananas, peaches, or even tropical fruits like pineapple. Just make sure to slice them thinly for an even distribution on the cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftover fruit pizza cookies, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the fruits may get a bit soft, so it’s best to assemble them just before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking for even results.
