Fruit Pizza Cookies are sweet and colorful treats that everyone loves! They combine a soft sugar cookie base, creamy frosting, and a beautiful array of fresh fruits on top.
I enjoy these cookies during summer gatherings—they always disappear quickly! You can mix and match fruits, so it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness. You can use salted butter if you adjust the added salt. Some prefer coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that works well too.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar ensures sweetness and structure. Brown sugar can add a bit of moisture and chewiness if you want a softer cookie.
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for a rich frosting. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider Greek yogurt mixed with some powdered sugar for a similar tangy flavor.
Fruits: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits! Apples, bananas, or peaches are tasty alternatives. Just ensure they are fresh for the best presentation and taste.
Mint Leaves: These are optional but add a refreshing touch! You could also use edible flowers for a lovely, colorful garnish.
How Do You Make Cookies That Are Soft and Chewy?
The method of mixing and how long you bake them are crucial for soft and chewy cookies. Here’s how to ensure you get that perfect texture:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, beat them until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This introduces air into the dough, helping it rise.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Check for slight golden edges before pulling them out — they can look underbaked in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool completely before adding the frosting. This helps prevent melting and sliding.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll need some time to let the cookies cool completely before frosting. In total, plan for around 45 minutes to an hour to make and assemble your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and not stick to the pan.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing them in thoroughly until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until you form a dough. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you don’t see any more flour!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll the dough into small balls and then gently flatten them a bit to form cookie shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, let’s make the frosting! In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Then, top them with an assortment of fresh fruits, arranging them in a beautiful and colorful pattern.
8. Add the Finishing Touch:
If you like, you can garnish each cookie with a mint leaf for a nice touch. Serve your fruit pizza cookies immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge.
Enjoy your delicious and vibrant fruit pizza cookies! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Butter with Margarine?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a stick margarine rather than a tub, as it will have a similar consistency and fat content to butter, resulting in a comparable texture in your cookies.
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fresh fruits you like or have on hand. Sliced bananas, peaches, or even tropical fruits like pineapple can work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that some fruits, like watermelon, may be too watery and can make the cookies soggy, so pat them dry before using.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, then proceed with flattening and baking as directed.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, it’s best to keep the frosting and fruit toppings separate until you’re ready to eat them. Just frost and top them right before serving!
