These fun Fruit Pizza Cookies are colorful and tasty! A sweet cookie base topped with cream cheese frosting and a rainbow of fresh fruits makes for a delightful treat.
Perfect for parties, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike. I love letting everyone pick their favorite toppings—it’s like building your own pizza, but way sweeter! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich flavor and the right texture in the cookie base. If you don’t have unsalted, salted butter works too; just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookies comes from flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; it usually works well in cookie recipes.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese frosting gives a luscious tang. For a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead. Just make sure to adjust the sugar to taste!
Fresh Fruits: Use any fruits you love! If fresh fruit is not available, canned or frozen fruit (thawed and drained) can be a good substitute, although they may not look as vibrant. Berries and bananas are always a safe bet!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Achieving the right cookie texture is all about the mixing and baking time. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy; this helps incorporate air and gives your cookies a light texture. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Flatten your dough balls slightly before baking for that pizza look and even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them during baking; take them out when the edges are just golden to keep them soft in the center.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for thinning)
For the Toppings:
- Fresh mixed fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake. Once the cookies are cool, you’ll also need an additional 30 minutes in the fridge to set the frosting. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer or a whisk until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Don’t over-mix!
3. Shape the Cookies:
Now, roll the dough into balls that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the palm of your hand to gently flatten each ball a bit, forming thick rounds for your cookies.
4. Bake:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’d like a thinner frosting, feel free to add a tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
When your cookies are fully cooled, take a generous amount of cream cheese frosting and spread it on top of each cookie, covering them nicely.
7. Top with Fruits:
Now comes the fun part! Arrange your fresh mixed fruits on top of the frosting in a beautiful and colorful way. You can be creative with your designs! Add mint leaves for a fresh garnish if you’d like.
8. Serve:
Finally, chill your decorated cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set. After that, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. Dig in!
Can I Substitute the Butter in the Cookie Base?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just ensure the substitute is softened to maintain the right texture when creaming with sugar.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
While strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are great choices, you can also use bananas, peaches, or grapes! Just be sure to select fruits that are ripe but firm to avoid excess moisture.
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the cookies become soggy from the fruit, you can keep the fruit separate and add it just before serving to maintain texture.
Can I Make the Cookie Base Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
