Fruit pizza cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! They combine soft, sweet cookies with creamy frosting and fresh fruits on top, making them colorful and delicious.
These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties. I love how I can pick my favorite fruits to use. Plus, they look so pretty—who can resist a cookie that looks like a fruit salad? 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re short on butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Just remember that these will slightly change the taste!
Sugars: Both granulated and powdered sugar create a nice texture. If you’d like to swap out granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar for a bit of extra moisture and caramel flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the structure of the cookies. If gluten-free is what you need, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but check that it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
Cream Cheese: This makes the frosting creamy and tangy. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt or mascarpone can work too. For lactose-free, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Fresh Fruits: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits—bananas or peaches would also be a great addition! Just avoid fruit that browns easily, like apples.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To make sure your cookies turn out soft and chewy, follow these simple steps:
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough: If you’re short on time, chilling isn’t required, but it can help the cookies maintain their shape and get a slightly denser texture.
- Check baking time: Keep an eye on the edges. You want them just lightly golden. If you bake them too long, they’ll be crunchy!
By following these tips, your cookies will be a hit! Enjoy the baking process!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits, such as:
- Strawberries, sliced
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi, diced
- Mandarins or oranges, segmented
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, allow about 10 minutes for cooling and another 5 minutes to frost and top with fruit. In total, around 45 minutes from start to finish, and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cookies not stick when baking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream everything together until it’s light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop out the cookie dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet, forming circles about 2-3 inches in diameter. Make sure to leave some space between the cookies (about 2 inches apart). Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges look lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy—this is going to be delicious!
6. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookies are completely cool, take the frosting and spread a layer on top of each cookie. Then, it’s time to make them look pretty! Top the frosted cookies with your assortment of fresh fruits. Get creative and arrange the fruits in a colorful way!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These fruit pizza cookies are best served right away, but you can also refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your fruity, delicious treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit for Topping?
Absolutely! You can choose any fresh fruit you like. Just make sure to wash and slice them appropriately. Some great alternatives include bananas, peaches, or pomegranate seeds. Just be mindful that some fruits, like bananas, may brown quickly. If using them, consider adding them just before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cookies will stay fresh, but the fruit may release juices, so it’s best to add the toppings just before serving if you plan to store them.
Can I Use Store-Bought Cream Cheese Frosting?
Sure! If you’re short on time, store-bought cream cheese frosting is a convenient option. Just make sure it’s softened slightly for easy spreading. Feel free to add a little vanilla extract for extra flavor if you’d like!
