Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and colorful treat! They start with a soft, chewy cookie base topped with creamy frosting and a mix of fresh, tasty fruits. Yum!
These cookies are like tiny, delicious pizzas that you can eat for dessert! I love picking my favorite fruits to top them—it’s like a fruity art project! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies, providing structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works surprisingly well in most cookie recipes.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens your cookie dough. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar. Keep in mind that these may change the cookie’s texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re short on butter, you can use coconut oil, though it will slightly alter the flavor. Just ensure it’s softened like the butter would be.
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for the frosting, giving it a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute. It has less fat while retaining a similar taste.
Fresh Fruits: You can customize the toppings based on what’s in season or what you enjoy. If you’re allergic to certain fruits, try using thin slices of apples or bananas instead for sweetness and crunch.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Be Soft and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture for these cookies is key. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they turn out soft and fluffy:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature—soft but not melted. This helps create that light and airy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Don’t over-mix the dough after adding the flour. Just mix until everything is combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out. This helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
- Keep an eye on your baking time; 10-12 minutes should be perfect. If you see the edges start to turn golden, they’re ready!
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
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ 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 frosting)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget about the cooling time; let the cookies cool for about 30 minutes before frosting and decorating. Overall, you can expect about 1 hour from start to finish for these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing everything until it’s well combined.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it’s a bit sticky, adding a little flour can help!
4. Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial so the frosting won’t melt!
5. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting! In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
6. Assembling Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
After your cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each one. Now for the fun part! Arrange a vibrant mix of fresh fruits on top of the frosting, using as many different kinds as you like for a cheerful look.
7. Final Touches and Serving:
Optionally, garnish with some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve them immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. These Fruit Pizza Cookies are sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives to cream cheese. Both will provide a similar creamy texture, but note that Greek yogurt will be a bit tangier. If using Greek yogurt, ensure it’s full-fat for the best consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the fruit fresh, consider adding the fruit just before serving if you know you won’t eat them all right away.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling it out and baking.
What Fruits Work Best for This Recipe?
Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are excellent choices due to their vibrant colors and flavors. You can also experiment with bananas or peaches, but be aware that they might brown quickly. For the best look, use a colorful assortment!
