These fun fruit pizza cookies are like little pies made of sweet cookie dough topped with cream cheese frosting and colorful fruits! They’re perfect for parties or just a tasty treat.
What’s great is you can use any fruit you love—berries, bananas, or even kiwi! I find it hard to eat just one; they disappear quickly around here! 🍪🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for a tender cookie. If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps achieve that sweet taste and crisp edges. You could use coconut sugar for a healthier twist, although it will change the texture slightly.
Egg: The egg adds moisture and binds the ingredients. If you’re vegan or allergic, substitutes like 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) work well too.
Assorted Fresh Fruits: Strawberries and blueberries are great, but feel free to swap in any seasonal fruits. Mango, peaches, or even sliced bananas can add a lovely touch to your fruit pizza.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you’re lactose intolerant.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Have Perfect Texture?
The texture of your cookies hinges on two crucial steps: creaming and baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Beat them together until it’s fluffy, as this incorporates air and helps the cookies rise.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake. The edges should be light golden brown, but the centers may look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Remember, cooler dough will also give you thicker cookies, so don’t rush things. Chill your dough for about 30 minutes if you have time – it can make a big difference!
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus another 10-12 minutes for baking. Once the cookies cool, you’ll spend a few more minutes decorating them. Overall, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. This is going to make your cleanup much easier later!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together 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 well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. This dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Now, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly to form a cookie shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each cookie for them to spread while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This frosting is the star of the show, so make it nice and fluffy!
7. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, take your cream cheese frosting and spread a generous tablespoon on top of each cookie. Don’t be shy—make it nice and thick!
8. Add the Fresh Fruits:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Arrange assorted fresh fruits on top of the frosted cookies in any way you’d like. Get creative and make them look as beautiful as they taste!
9. Garnish (Optional):
If you want a pop of color and a hint of minty flavor, add fresh mint leaves as a garnish on top of the decorated cookies. They’ll look and taste fantastic!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delightful fruit pizza cookies immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to share. Enjoy these tasty treats with friends and family!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened for better mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also use unsweetened applesauce, using about 1/2 cup for every cup of butter, although this will change the texture.
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, it’s best to frost just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. You can keep the cookies and frosting separate in the fridge for up to a week.
What Fresh Fruits Work Best for Toppings?
Feel free to mix and match! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are all great choices. Just remember to wash and slice the fruits as needed. You can also use bananas, but they tend to brown quickly; add those just before serving for the best appearance.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
