Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun twist on dessert! These sweet, soft cookies are topped with cream cheese icing and colorful fruits, making them a treat everyone will love.
They’re like mini pizzas, but for your sweet tooth! I enjoy making them for parties— they look so pretty and taste amazing! Just mix, bake, and decorate with your favorite fruits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. It works well without changing the taste too much!
Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as substitutes. Just be aware that the taste and texture might change slightly.
Cream cheese: This is key for the topping. Neufchâtel cheese is a great lower-fat alternative. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, though it won’t be as thick and creamy.
Fresh fruits: While strawberries and blueberries are classic choices, you can mix in whatever fruits you have on hand, like bananas or peaches. Just remember, some fruits release more juice than others, so choose accordingly!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking cookies can sometimes lead to inconsistencies if you’re not careful. To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly baked, follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven: Always make sure the oven is at the right temperature before baking to avoid uneven cooking.
- Watch the timer: Keep an eye on the edges. They should be lightly golden, while the centers may look a tad undercooked, as they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool properly: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
For the Decoration:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, orange segments)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow the cookies to cool for a bit, and then you can decorate them! Overall, you should be ready to enjoy your Fruit Pizza Cookies in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make sure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important as this gives your cookies a nice texture!
4. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
Add the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. You want everything nice and smooth!
5. Bringing it All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined, and a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just mix until you see no dry flour.
6. Forming the Cookies:
Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on your lined baking sheet. Gently press each ball down to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly.
7. Baking the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. They are done when the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Preparing the Cream Cheese Topping:
While the cookies cool, it’s time to make the cream cheese topping! In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and another teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
9. Decorating the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Don’t be shy; make it nice and thick!
10. Adding Fresh Fruits:
Now for the fun part! Decorate each cookie with the assorted fresh fruits. Arrange them nicely on top of the cream cheese layer to make your cookies look colorful and inviting.
11. Garnishing and Serving:
If you like, add fresh mint leaves on top for a nice touch. Serve the cookies right away, or chill them in the refrigerator for a little while for a refreshing treat. Enjoy your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may make the cookies a bit denser. Start with a 50% substitution; if you like the texture, you can gradually increase it in future batches.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits or use what’s in season. Just keep in mind that some fruits, like bananas or apples, may brown quickly. Consider adding those just before serving to maintain freshness.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese if I Don’t Have Any?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. You can also try blending cottage cheese until smooth for a lighter option. Just be aware that these substitutes might alter the flavor slightly!
