These Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies are perfect for summer! Soft sugar cookies topped with cream cheese and colorful fruits make a tasty treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Who doesn’t love cookies that are basically dessert pizzas? I like to get creative with the toppings, so every cookie is a little surprise. Grab your favorite fruits and enjoy! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I use unsalted butter for flavor control. If you only have salted, just reduce other salt in the recipe. Margarine works too, just note it may affect the texture slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This gives the cookies sweetness and helps with browning. Brown sugar can substitute half for a richer flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This is key for the cookie structure. You can use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure it’s a 1-to-1 baking blend.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, I recommend full-fat cream cheese for richness. Neufchâtel or mascarpone can substitute if you’re after a lighter option.
Fruits: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits like bananas, peaches, or any seasonal fruits you enjoy!
How Can You Make the Perfect Cookie Base?
The cookie base is what sets the stage for all that delicious fruit and frosting. To ensure a great texture, follow these tips:
- When creaming butter and sugar, ensure they’re light and fluffy—it should almost look pale in color. This adds air to your cookie.
- Watch the baking time. Start checking cookies at 10 minutes. They’re done when the edges start to turn golden, but the centers should remain soft.
- Let cookies cool completely. Warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt, which means you won’t achieve those lovely layers.
With these tips, your fruit pizza cookies should be a hit at any summer gathering!
Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe for Summer
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, halved or sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 1 kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1 small can of mandarin orange segments, drained
- Additional fresh fruit as desired (blackberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool completely and chill them for at least 30 minutes with the fresh fruit topping before serving. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour in the kitchen, and it’s well worth it for a delightful summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to create a thick cookie base. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Frost and Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Now comes the fun part! Arrange your prepared fruits attractively on top of the frosting, mixing colors and shapes to create a vibrant display.
7. Chill and Serve:
Chill the decorated cookies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set. Once chilled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Serve and delight in your fresh, colorful fruit pizza cookies.
These cookies are not only easy to make but also a great way to showcase seasonal fruits. Customize them with your favorites and share them at your summer gatherings for a refreshing treat!
FAQ for Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what you enjoy or have on hand. Bananas, peaches, and even kiwi or mango slices work great! Just make sure to use fruits that won’t release too much juice.
How Should I 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 slightly due to the cream cheese frosting, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make the Cookie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie base in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just frost and top them with fruit right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative or even whipped cream for a lighter frosting. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
