Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and tasty treat that combines a soft cookie base with creamy frosting and colorful fruits on top. It’s like a party on a plate!
The best part? You can mix and match your favorite fruits, like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries. They’re super fun to make with kids—just watch out for the sneaky bites! 😄
I love how quick these cookies are to whip up. A little baking, some frosting, and a sprinkle of fruit make them perfect for gatherings or just a sunny afternoon snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for a light and fluffy texture in cookies. You can swap it for margarine, though it may slightly change the flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut oil works well too.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the dough perfectly. If you want a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or honey. Just remember that honey will add moisture, so adjust the flour a bit.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you prefer to make it vegan, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps the cookies hold their shape. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just confirm it has xantham gum for better texture.
Fresh Fruits: This recipe is flexible! You can use any fruits you love or have on hand, like peaches, bananas, or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft, chewy texture that you’ll love, there are a few important steps to remember.
- When creaming the butter and sugar, be patient. Mix them until they are light and fluffy, as this creates air pockets that help the cookies rise.
- Don’t overwork the dough once you add the flour; mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can create tough cookies.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden. They may seem soft in the middle, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This prevents the fruit from getting mushy and keeps everything neatly in place.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
For Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fruit pizza cookies recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, cooling and decorating will take another 30 minutes. So overall, plan for around 1 hour to whip these up before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick when baking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or a sturdy spoon until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft but handleable!
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Divide the cookie dough into equal portions and shape each piece into a round cookie about 1/4 inch thick. Place these cookie rounds on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden. Don’t overbake! Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the cookies are cooling, take a separate bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious frosting for your cookies!
6. Decorate with Cream Cheese and Fresh Fruits:
Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Then, get creative! Top the cream cheese layer with your assorted fresh fruits arranged in a fun way. You can play with colors and shapes—it’s like a mini pizza!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add a mint leaf on top of each cookie for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. These fruit pizza cookies are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy every bite of your delicious fruit pizza cookies!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or whatever you have on hand. Just keep in mind that fruits with higher moisture content, like watermelon, might make the cookies soggy if left too long before serving. Stick to firm fruits like apples, bananas, or stone fruits for a great texture!
Can I Make the Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can prepare the cream cheese layer and cut the fruit in advance, but wait to assemble the cookies until just before serving to prevent them from getting soft.
How to Store Leftover Fruit Pizza Cookies
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cream cheese layer will stay fresh, but to preserve the fruit’s texture, it’s best to keep them assembled until ready to eat!
Can I Make the Dough Without Eggs?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes) or 1/4 cup of applesauce. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste great!
