Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on dessert! A soft cookie base is topped with sweet cream cheese frosting and colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries.
These cookies are like little fruity masterpieces! I love letting the kids pick their favorite fruits to add on top. It’s a tasty way to eat your rainbow! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a tender cookie. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just reduce added salt in the recipe by a pinch.
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Granulated Sugar: It’s essential for sweetness and helps with cookie texture. Coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can work well if you’re aiming for something less processed.
Assorted Fresh Fruit: While strawberries and blueberries are common, feel free to swap in your favorites—bananas or peaches work nicely too! Choose what’s in season for the best flavor.
Mint Leaves: They add color and freshness. If you don’t have mint, you can skip it or use basil leaves for a unique twist.
How Do I Get Perfectly Fluffy Cookies?
To achieve the right texture in these cookies, the creaming method is key! Here’s how to do it properly:
- Start with softened butter; this makes it easy to cream with the sugar.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined; don’t overmix at this stage.
These steps help incorporate air, giving your cookies a nice lift while baking!
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 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For The Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool for a bit and then add your frosting and toppings. Overall, you can have these tasty cookies ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick. This makes cleanup easier too!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix—you want your cookies to be soft!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making individual cookie rounds about 2-3 inches in diameter. Gently flatten each round to give it a nice cookie shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty topping for your cookies!
6. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Now comes the fun part: top each frosted cookie with your beautiful assortment of fresh fruit! Get creative; arrange them however you like!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make your cookies even prettier, add some mint leaves as a garnish. Serve your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar to give your cookies a little extra depth and chewiness. Just keep in mind that using brown sugar might make the cookies slightly softer, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
You can use a variety of fruits based on your preferences! Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and mandarin oranges are all fantastic choices. Feel free to get creative and add other fruits like bananas or peaches, but be cautious with fruits that brown quickly, like bananas, to maintain your cookies’ vibrant look.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight if frozen, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store any leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to maintain the freshness of the fruit on top, consider adding the fruits just before serving.
