Fruit pizza cookies are a fun and tasty treat! They start with a soft cookie base, topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruits. Talk about a rainbow on a plate!
Kids adore these cookies, and let’s face it, so do adults! I love making these for parties; they’re easy to share and always disappear quickly. Plus, who doesn’t love dessert that looks like art? 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives cookies their texture and sweetness. You could substitute half of it with brown sugar for a slightly chewier cookie with a hint of caramel flavor.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese in the frosting adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you prefer a lighter option, swap it with Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese for a similar texture with fewer calories.
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries and blueberries are classic choices but feel free to substitute with your favorites like bananas or peaches. Just make sure they are fresh to maintain a nice appearance and taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Perfectly Soft?
The secret to soft cookies lies in mixing and baking. When creaming butter and sugar, mix until just combined and fluffy, but don’t overdo it. This will keep the cookies light and airy!
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cookies firm up without getting hard.
- Ensure they’re slightly underbaked, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
- Flatten the mounds slightly before baking, so they spread evenly.
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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, mandarin oranges, etc.)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the cookies, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for baking, and then you’ll need some time for the cookies to cool before frosting. Overall, plan for around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have colorful and yummy cookies ready to impress anyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Cookie Base:
In a large bowl, put the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—just mix until you can’t see any flour.
4. Shaping the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place mounds of cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Use your hands to gently flatten each mound a little bit to form cookie shapes.
5. Baking the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
6. Making the Frosting:
While your cookies cool down, let’s make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is nice and smooth. This will be your delightful creamy topping.
7. Assembling the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
After the cookies have cooled, take a generous dollop of the cream cheese frosting and spread it on top of each cookie. Now comes the fun part—arranging the assorted fresh fruits on top of the frosted cookies in whatever fun design you like!
8. Adding a Touch of Green:
If you want, place a mint leaf on each cookie for a bit of extra color and flavor. It’s the final touch that makes a difference!
9. Serving Your Cookies:
Your fruit pizza cookies are now ready to enjoy! You can serve them immediately or keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to share them with friends and family. Enjoy these tasty treats!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits. Just remember to choose fruits that are ripe and fresh for the best flavor and presentation. Other great options include sliced peaches, pineapple, or even cherries!
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the cookies are already frosted, try to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat!
Can I Make the Cookie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. If freezing, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, or use mascarpone cheese for a rich flavor. Just keep in mind that the frosting may differ in texture and taste slightly!
