Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun treat that’s both colorful and delicious! They feature a soft cookie base topped with creamy frosting and loads of fresh fruits. 🍓🍍
These cookies make for a wonderful dessert at gatherings. I love letting the kids choose their favorite fruits to add on top—it’s a tasty way to get them involved in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for the right cookie texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can replace it with margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor might differ a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This is crucial for sweetness and texture. You can try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option, though the cookies may be slightly darker.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that creamy frosting. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone instead. Just keep in mind it’ll change the taste a bit!
Fresh Fruits: Use any fruits you love or have on hand—bananas, peaches, or even peaches can be delightful. Frozen fruits won’t work well, as they’ll make the cookies soggy.
How Do I Make the Best Cream Cheese Frosting?
Creating the frosting is simple, but it’s important to get the right texture. Start with softened cream cheese to mix easily. If it’s too cold, your frosting will be lumpy!
- Beat the cream cheese alone first until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar to avoid clumps.
- Add vanilla extract for flavor and keep mixing until it’s smooth.
- If it’s too thick, drizzle in a little milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 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 recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 12 minutes to bake, and then you’ll need some time for the cookies to cool before frosting—about 30 minutes in total. So, plan for about 1 hour to make these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft and somewhat sticky.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out portions of the dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them onto your lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop. Gently flatten each cookie so they have a nice shape.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
7. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each one. Then, take your assortment of fresh fruits and place them on the frosted cookies, arranging them as beautifully as you like!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you want to add a special touch, garnish with mint leaves for some color and freshness. You can serve them right away or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Happy eating!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that using a different fat may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Frosting?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, try reducing the powdered sugar to 1/4 cup and adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to give it a refreshing tang!
Can I Use Other Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits. Try using bananas, peaches, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. Just remember that some fruits, like bananas, may brown quickly, so serve those cookies sooner or drizzle them with lemon juice for freshness.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the assembled Fruit Pizza Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make them ahead of time, consider storing the cookies and frosting separately to prevent the cookies from getting soggy.
