Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on dessert! These soft sugar cookies are topped with cream cheese frosting and colorful fresh fruits. Talk about a fruity delight!
Who could resist these cheerful cookies? I love making them for gatherings. Just remember, the fancy fruit designs are best made by kids—they’re the real artists! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. But remember, margarine may change the taste slightly. I always prefer unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies a crispy edge and chewy center. If you need a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but keep in mind, the texture may differ.
Cream Cheese: It creates the fluffy frosting layer. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cream cheese. I find that some brands taste just as good, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Fresh Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwis work wonderfully. You can swap these for your favorite fruits, like bananas or peaches, depending on the season. I like to use seasonal fruits for the best flavor!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture for your cookies takes a bit of attention. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfect:
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: Beat until fluffy—this helps to aerate the mixture for lighter cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them! Take them out when the edges are golden. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
- Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess from trapping steam.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, make sure to let the cookies cool for a bit before frosting and decorating them. Altogether, you will need about an hour including cooling time. Perfect for a fun dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure your cookies are nice and fluffy. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop dough using a spoon or cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheet, forming rounds about 2-3 inches in diameter. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This delicious frosting is what will make your cookies even better!
6. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Time to have fun! Arrange the assorted fresh fruits artistically on top of the frosting on each cookie. Get creative and make them look beautiful!
7. Finish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your lovely fruit pizza cookies! You can also refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve for a refreshing treat.
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe! Just make sure to use a stick-style margarine for the best texture and flavor. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor, but your cookies will still turn out delicious.
What Fruits Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to mix and match the fruits based on your preference! You can use bananas, peaches, or even grapes. Just make sure any added fruits are firm enough to hold up on the frosting and are sliced or cut appropriately.
How to Store the Cookies?
Store the fruit pizza cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider storing the cookies and frosting separately. Just frost them right before serving!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, scoop the dough into rounds, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Just thaw before baking!
