Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and tasty treat that kids and adults will love! They have a soft, chewy base and are topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries.
These cookies are like a party on a plate! 🍕🍓 I enjoy making them for celebrations, or just as a sweet snack. They’re super easy to customize with your favorite fruits, making every batch unique!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in your cookies. If you need a substitution, you can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture and tanginess to your frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work, but it won’t be as sweet. For dairy-free, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Fresh Fruit: Variety is key here! While strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi are favorites, feel free to use any seasonal fruit you have on hand. Bananas or peaches can also be delicious. Just avoid fruits that brown quickly, like apples.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives your frosting a smooth texture. If you want a healthier version, try using honey or maple syrup instead, but note that your frosting will be a bit runnier.
What’s the Secret to Creamy, Smooth Frosting?
To ensure your cream cheese frosting is silky and easy to spread, it’s vital to make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients lead to lumps!
- Begin by using a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. It allows you to beat the ingredients more thoroughly.
- Start blending the cream cheese alone before adding the powdered sugar. This helps achieve a smooth base.
- Once combined, add in the vanilla slowly, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
Trust me, a little extra mixing goes a long way towards achieving that perfect frosting!
How to Make Delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely, which might take around 30 minutes. So, overall, plan for about an hour to enjoy these tasty treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick. Easy peasy!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps make sure everything is evenly distributed!
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should come together nicely—don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading. Gently flatten each dough ball to create a cookie shape.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Patience will reward you with the best texture!
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, grab a medium bowl and beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy—this is going to be delicious!
8. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Get creative here; a thicker layer can really amp up the flavor!
9. Decorate with Fresh Fruit:
Time for the fun part! Top each frosted cookie with an assortment of fresh fruits. Arrange them however you like for a colorful presentation. Feel free to mix and match your fruit selection!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make your cookies even more appealing, you can garnish them with fresh mint leaves for a pops of color. Serve them immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to dig in.
Enjoy these fruity and refreshing cookies at gatherings or as a delightful snack! They are sure to impress everyone!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use vegetable shortening or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. If using coconut oil, make sure it’s softened but not melted for the best texture. The cookies may taste a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Other Fruits Can I Use Topping These Cookies?
Feel free to swap in any of your favorite fruits! Bananas, peaches, or grapes also work wonderfully. Just try to choose fruits that are firm and won’t release too much juice, as this can make the cookies soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftovers, place the fruit-topped cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Alternatively, if you have un-frosted cookies left, you can keep them at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and flattening the cookies.
