These fun fruit pizza cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for any celebration! They start with a soft cookie base, topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruit. Yum!
I love to brighten up my day with these cookies. You can mix and match fruits, and it’s always a hit at parties. Just remember to eat them quick before they disappear! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for a rich texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just decrease the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Granulated Sugar: It’s best for sweetness and texture. You could substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor or make these cookies healthier by using honey or maple syrup, but be mindful of adjusting liquid ratios.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix or almond flour, but note that texture may vary slightly.
Cream Cheese: This adds that classic frosting creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar can be a delicious substitute.
Mixed Fresh Fruit: Seasonal or favorite fruits can be used. If fresh fruit isn’t available, a fruit compote or canned fruit can be an alternative, though it may alter the texture.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Soft Cookies?
Making cookies soft and chewy is all about the mixing and baking times. Overmixing your dough or baking for too long can result in hard cookies.
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, but don’t overmix after adding flour.
- Shape them into thicker rounds; they’ll flatten and bake perfectly without drying out.
- Check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time; they should look slightly underbaked as they will firm up on cooling.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, mango, and mandarin oranges)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 12 minutes of baking. After that, you’ll want to let the cookies cool, which takes about another 10 minutes. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes to create these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will make your cleanup a breeze!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing everything until it’s well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t over-mix to keep the cookies tender.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into 2-3 inch round cookies. Flatten them slightly as you place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, you can make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy—this should only take a few minutes.
7. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool (this is important to prevent melting the frosting!), spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cookie using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Get creative with how much you want!
8. Top with Fruit:
Now for the fun part! Arrange an assortment of your mixed fresh fruit on top of each frosted cookie. Feel free to decorate them as you like; this is your masterpiece after all!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh! You can serve them immediately or refrigerate them until you’re ready to share them. Enjoy your delightful and colorful Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Can I Use Substitutes for the Butter?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to keep the fruit separate and only add it just before serving.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies without fruit or frosting. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and adding fresh fruit.
What Other Fruits Can I Use on Top?
You can customize your fruit toppings with any fresh fruit you like! Options such as bananas, pineapple, or peaches work wonderfully. Just be sure to slice the fruit thinly for better placement and aesthetics on the cookies.
