These colorful fruit pizza cookies are a fun twist on a classic dessert! With a soft, chewy cookie base and topped with creamy frosting and fresh fruits, they are a delight!
Everyone loves these cookies at parties; they look so pretty and taste refreshing. I like to let the kids pick their favorite fruits to add on top. The more, the merrier! 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the structure of your cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results.
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: The mix of sugars helps in achieving the perfect sweetness and texture. If you prefer less sugar, try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just be mindful that it may alter the texture slightly.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor. You can replace it with margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, though it may change the cookie’s texture a bit.
Cream Cheese: This gives that creamy base for frosting. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor will change a little, but it will still be tasty!
Fruits: Use whatever fresh fruits you like! Berries, banana slices, or even pitted cherries work well. If you can’t find fresh, frozen fruits can be used; just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
Getting soft and chewy cookies is all about mixing and baking times. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
- Watch the baking time! Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden; they might seem soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack. This helps firm them up while retaining chewiness.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and another 10-12 minutes for baking. Once baked, the cookies need to cool completely before you add the frosting and fruit. The total time from start to finish will be around 30-40 minutes, plus some time in the fridge if you decide to chill them before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. This makes for easy cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just until it all comes together!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop out portions of the dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and roll them into round shapes. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them since they will spread. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they are ready, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies cool, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Use a mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. This is the fun part because it becomes your delicious frosting!
6. Decorate Your Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, take a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture and spread it on top of each cookie. Now, it’s time to decorate! Arrange your fresh fruits beautifully on top of the cream cheese frosting. Get creative and make them look colorful!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, you can garnish your cookies with mint leaves for an extra pop of color. Enjoy your Fruit Pizza Cookies right away, or place them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They’re delightful and refreshing!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness by tasting as you mix in the powdered sugar, since these alternatives may have different levels of sweetness compared to cream cheese.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the cookies are topped with fruit, it’s best to eat them within a day for optimal freshness. You can also store the cookies and frosting separately, allowing you to assemble them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite fruits. Just be mindful of the moisture content; fruits like bananas may brown quickly, while berries hold up nicely. You can also use canned fruits, but be sure to drain them well to avoid sogginess.
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough seems too sticky to handle, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could change the texture of your cookies. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes can also help firm it up!
