Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and tasty treat! These soft cookies have a creamy frosting on top, piled high with colorful fruits. They look beautiful and taste even better!
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that looks like a tiny pizza? 😄 I love making these for parties—they always bring smiles! Just bake the cookies, spread the frosting, and add your favorite fruits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure to the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cookie dough and gives it a lovely texture. You can substitute with granulated sugar if necessary, but the cookies may be a bit gritty.
Unsalted Butter: For the best flavor, I recommend using unsalted so you can control the salt content. If needed, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be great alternatives.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for the frosting. For a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Fresh Fruits: Feel free to use whatever fruits you love! Berries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are popular choices. If fresh fruit isn’t available, you could use canned fruit cups, but be sure to drain them well.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are the Perfect Texture?
Achieving the right texture is key in these cookies, and it mostly comes down to creaming and baking. Be sure to cream the butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this helps incorporate air for a nice texture.
- After mixing, don’t overwork the dough once adding flour, just mix until combined.
- When shaping the cookies, flatten them gently for even baking. A thick cookie can lead to a soft, doughy center.
- Keep an eye on baking time—around 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus some extra time for cooling and assembling. Overall, you can make these cookies in under an hour, perfect for a fun baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your cookies won’t stick. This makes cleanup much easier too!
2. Make the Base Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. Slowly add the flour and salt, stirring until it all comes together to form a soft dough. This dough will be the base for your cookies!
3. Shape the Cookies:
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1-2 tablespoons for each. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball down using the back of a fork or your fingers to flatten them into cookie discs. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little variation adds charm!
4. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important so that the cookies can hold all the delicious toppings!
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and the extra vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is going to be the yummy layer that holds your fruits!
6. Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Now for the fun part! Arrange your assorted fresh fruits on top of the frosting in a pretty design. Be creative and make them look colorful!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add a few mint leaves as a garnish for a fresh touch. Serve your Fruit Pizza Cookies right away or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Either way, they’ll be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend has a binding agent (like xanthan gum) for best results. Alternatively, whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor, but the cookies may be a bit denser.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just be sure to keep the fruit toppings separate until you’re ready to serve, as they can make the cookies soggy!
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! After forming it into balls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let them soften for a few minutes at room temperature before baking.
What Fruits Work Best for These Cookies?
You can use almost any fresh fruit you like! Popular choices include strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and not overly juicy to prevent the cookies from getting soggy. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste!
