These fun Fruit Pizza Cookies are like little tasty masterpieces! The sugar cookie base is soft and topped with yummy cream cheese frosting and colorful fresh fruit.
They’re perfect for any occasion, and I can’t resist piling on the fruit. Honestly, it’s like having dessert and a serving of fruit all in one bite—talk about multitasking! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Standard for sweetness, but you can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar if you want a less refined option.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure your butter is softened so it mixes well. You can use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free treat. I’ve found that real butter gives the best flavor, but alternatives work too!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the cookie. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt, but it will change the flavor a bit. Some prefer a whipped cream cheese for a lighter finish.
Fresh Fruits: Use any fruits you love! If berries aren’t in season, consider canned peaches or pineapple chunks. Just be sure to drain any canned fruit well!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Perfectly Baked?
The baking process is key to achieving the right texture for your cookies. Follow these steps for success:
- Preheating your oven is crucial! This ensures even baking as soon as the cookies hit the tray.
- Place the cookies spaced apart to allow for spreading. This gives them room to bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes. Ovens can vary, and you want the edges golden but not over-baked.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet briefly before moving to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a little more.
Perfect cookies are all about balance, so measuring accurately and keeping an eye on the baking time will help you nail it every time!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
For Decoration:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 12 minutes for baking. After that, let the cookies cool for a few minutes, and then they’re ready to be decorated! Total time to enjoy these fruity delights is about 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make your cleanup much easier later on!
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, place the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is an important step that gives your cookies a nice texture!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring it’s all creamy and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Scoop and Flatten:
Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, scoop it onto your lined baking sheet. Lightly flatten each scoop to form round cookies. This helps them bake evenly!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them sit on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Topping:
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the delicious cream cheese layer! In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the other teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Spread the Cream Cheese:
Once your cookies have cooled, take the cream cheese mixture and spread a generous layer on top of each cookie. They’re looking good already!
9. Decorate with Fresh Fruits:
Now for the fun part—decorating! Top each cookie with a beautiful assortment of fresh fruits. Arrange them however you like for a colorful display.
10. (Optional) Add Mint Leaves:
If you want to make your cookies pop, you can garnish them with a few mint leaves. They add a nice touch of color and flavor!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your fruit pizza cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy them right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to share them with family and friends. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Sugar Substitute in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute! For a healthier option, consider using stevia or erythritol. Since sugar substitutes can vary greatly in sweetness, refer to the package instructions for the correct substitution amount. Just keep in mind that using substitutes may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free fruit pizza cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/4 teaspoon to your mix if it doesn’t. This will help mimic the texture of regular flour!
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings! Popular choices include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi. Just ensure the fruits are fresh and ripe for the best flavors. For a more tropical twist, try using mango or banana slices!
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cookies may soften due to the moisture from the fruit and cream cheese. If you’d like to keep the texture firm, assemble them just before serving.
