Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that combines a sweet cookie base, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit on top. They look like little pizzas but are perfectly bite-sized!
These cookies are great for parties or just a tasty snack. I love letting my kids pick out their favorite fruits to add. It’s like a mini masterpiece they can eat! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: A versatile base for cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. This works well but may alter the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, which will work fine here, and bring a different flavor.
Fresh Fruits: Any fruits you love will work! I enjoy using berries for their sweetness and color. For a unique twist, try adding peaches or bananas. Just be sure they are ripe but not overly soft!
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich and creamy topping. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for sweetness. It’s also a good alternative for those avoiding dairy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Getting cookies that are soft and chewy starts with the creaming method. This means you should really mix the butter and sugars well until it’s light and fluffy. It creates air pockets, helping the cookies rise perfectly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
- Be careful not to overmix the flour into the wet ingredients; stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. This helps keep the cookies tender.
- Flattening the dough slightly before baking ensures even cooking, giving you those nice, chewy edges.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and another 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll need some additional time for the cookies to cool before adding the cream cheese layer and fruit. Altogether, you can enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening each one slightly to shape them into cookies. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until you see the edges turning lightly golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
5. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Next, add your assorted fresh fruits on top, arranging them however you like. If you want to add a nice touch, you can place a mint leaf on each cookie for garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies can be served right away, or you can refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. They are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fresh fruits you like or have on hand. Berries, kiwi, bananas, or even diced peaches can work beautifully. Just make sure to wash and slice the fruit appropriately for a nice presentation.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative to cream cheese! For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese or a blended cashew cream, sweetened with a little maple syrup or agave for a similar taste.
How Should I Store the Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the cookies fresh without the fruit and cream cheese topping, you can store those separately and assemble them right before serving!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies without the toppings! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper in between layers. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the cream cheese and fruit before serving.
