Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on traditional pizza! They’re soft sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and colorful fresh fruits. It’s like dessert got dressed up for a party!
Who doesn’t love a cookie that looks like a rainbow? It’s my go-to treat for gatherings. Everyone loves to pick their favorite fruit slices! 🍓🍍 Plus, they are super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried almond flour, but it can create a denser cookie.
Granulated sugar: It adds sweetness to the dough. For a healthier alternative, coconut sugar works well but can slightly change the cookie’s texture and color.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for similar results.
Cream cheese: This is key for the frosting. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, light cream cheese is available, or you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but it will alter the flavor a bit.
Assorted fresh fruits: Choose fruits you love! You can also mix it up with bananas or peaches if berries aren’t your thing. Just remember, softer fruits might release more juice.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Bake Evenly and Not Spread Too Much?
To ensure your cookies maintain a nice shape while baking, here are some tips:
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the fats solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t skip the step of preheating your oven. An adequately heated oven gives your cookies the initial lift they need.
- Opt for parchment paper on your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and allows for even baking.
Following these tips will lead to perfectly shaped, delicious fruit pizza cookies that you and your friends will love!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 12 minutes to bake, with some additional time for cooling. You’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. Then, add the softened butter, egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. It should be soft and easy to work with.
3. Rolling and Cutting the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out cookie shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between each one.
4. Baking the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack or a plate.
5. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the delicious cream cheese frosting. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Assembling Your Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once your cookies have cooled, spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Get creative and add slices of your assorted fresh fruits on top of the frosting, arranging them however you like.
7. Final Touches:
If you want to add a sprinkle of color and flavor, garnish your cookies with fresh mint leaves. They’ll look beautiful and taste amazing!
8. Enjoying Your Treats:
Serve your fruit pizza cookies immediately, or if you prefer, refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious and colorful treats!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You can also use oat flour for a different flavor; just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
What Fruit Combinations Work Best?
Feel free to get creative with fruit toppings! Any mix of berries, bananas, or stone fruits like peaches or nectarines work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut fruits into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon to prevent sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve already topped them with fruit, it’s best to eat them the same day for optimal freshness, but they can still be good the next day. If you want to keep them longer, store the cookies and frosting separately and assemble before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling out and baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze it, shape the dough into disks, wrap them, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out and baking.
