Fruit pizza cookies are a fun and colorful treat! These sweet cookies are topped with cream cheese frosting and a variety of fresh fruits. They look like tiny pizzas, making them a hit at any gathering!
They’re perfect for parties or a fun afternoon snack. I love letting the kids pick their favorite fruits to add. Who knew dessert could be so cheerful? 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well. Just know the texture might be a bit different.
Granulated Sugar: Used in the dough and the frosting, it provides sweetness and texture. If you’re cutting back on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that’s suitable for baking.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just let it soften slightly before mixing.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for the frosting, giving it a smooth and tangy taste. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat option, or for dairy-free, there are great vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Mixed Fresh Fruit: Feel free to mix and match whatever fruits you enjoy! Bananas, peaches, or even a sprinkle of nuts can work well. Just make sure they are fresh to enhance the cookie’s taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to getting your cookies just right is in the mixing and baking process. You want them to be soft in the middle with slightly crispy edges. Here are some tips:
- Cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this adds air for a nice texture.
- Don’t over-mix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; just mix until combined to avoid dense cookies.
- Watch the baking time carefully! The cookies will continue to firm up after they come out of the oven.
Make sure to let them cool completely before adding the frosting, or it might melt off. Happy baking!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, mandarins)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. Overall, you can make these delicious fruit pizza cookies in about 30-40 minutes, including prep and cooling time. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a mixer or a whisk to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. This dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shaping the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scooper, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into round cookies, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space so they have room to spread while baking.
5. Baking and Cooling:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Preparing the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be a tasty topping for your cookies!
7. Assembling the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Don’t be shy, make it nice and thick!
8. Adding the Fresh Fruit:
Now comes the fun part! Top each frosted cookie with a generous amount of mixed fresh fruit, decorating them however you like. You can get creative with fruit arrangements for a beautiful presentation.
9. Serving or Storing:
These cookies are best enjoyed immediately, but you can also refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to keep them in a sealed container. Enjoy your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or even gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure that the gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
How Can I Make the Frosting Sweeter or Less Sweet?
If you want a sweeter frosting, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. For a less sweet option, reduce the powdered sugar by a couple of tablespoons and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Can I Prep These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge; just give it a stir before using!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have added fruit, it’s best to eat them within 2 days for the freshest taste. You can also freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost them when you’re ready to enjoy!
