Fruit pizza cookies are tasty little treats that combine soft sugar cookies with a fun fruity topping. A cream cheese frosting acts as the “sauce,” making them super colorful and yummy!
They’re perfect for summer gatherings or just a sweet snack at home. I love arranging the fruits like a mini pizza and watching friends smile when they see them. So inviting! 🍕🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great because you control the salt levels. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can work too, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use a sugar alternative if you’re watching sugar intake.
All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour gives the cookies a nice structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in many recipes.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that lovely frosting texture. If you prefer, mascarpone can be a delightful substitute for a slightly different flavor.
Fruits: Use any fresh fruits you like! Strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis are popular, but feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits or your favorites!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key technique to achieving light, fluffy cookies. It incorporates air into the mix, leading to a nice texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugar.
- Using a mixer, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything blends well.
Personal tip: If you can, use a stand mixer; it makes the process quicker and easier!
What’s the Best Way to Frost these Cookies?
Frosting the cookies can be a fun part of the process! Here’s how to make it easy and effective:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Use a hand mixer or whisk.
- Scoop a good dollop onto each cookie and spread it out gently to the edges.
A tip: Use an offset spatula for an easier spreading experience!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., 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 12 minutes to bake. After baking, allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting and decorating, which usually takes another 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup later!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for soft cookies!
3. Add in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth, making sure all those ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Form the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming rounds about 2-3 inches in diameter. Don’t forget to flatten them slightly so they bake evenly!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Mix the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting! In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be delicious on top of your cookies!
8. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookies have completely cooled, grab a spatula and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Don’t be shy—more frosting means more yum!
9. Add Fresh Fruits:
Now, it’s time to make these cookies visually delightful. Top each frosted cookie with an assortment of fresh fruits. You can arrange them however you like; let your creativity shine through!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add some fresh mint leaves as a garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve these beauties immediately or refrigerate them until you’re ready to impress your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that brown sugar will make the cookies slightly chewier.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
Feel free to get creative! Any fresh fruit works well, but berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add great color and flavor. If using softer fruits like kiwi or bananas, be sure to slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to add the frosting and fresh fruits until you’re ready to serve, so they stay fresh!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cookie dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the recipe as usual.
