If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines the charm of a cookie with the fresh, vibrant taste of fruit, you’re going to love this Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe. These mini masterpieces bring together a soft, buttery cookie base topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a colorful array of fresh fruit, making every bite a perfect mix of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re gathering with friends, hosting a party, or simply craving a cheerful dessert, this recipe offers a fun, refreshing twist on the classic fruit pizza everyone adores.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make these cookies so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and tender texture to the cookie base and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cookie.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft but sturdy cookie base.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift and lightness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with fruit.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- Assorted fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin oranges add bright, juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Start by creaming together your softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, which add moisture and flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until combined for a tender, soft dough that is easy to scoop.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball so the cookies bake evenly. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Once done, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures the cookies hold their shape when frosted.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue mixing until the frosting achieves a luscious, spreadable consistency that’s silky and sweet with just a hint of tang.
Step 4: Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, gently spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over each one. Top with an assortment of fresh, colorful fruit – think slices of strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin oranges – for a beautiful, vibrant look. Be sure to add the fruit right before serving to keep your cookies from getting soggy.
How to Serve Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of elegance and texture, sprinkle finely chopped mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. Toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavors and presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or even a creamy vanilla latte to complement the sweet and tangy freshness of the fruit topping. They also pair beautifully with a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the fruit pizza cookies on a bright, decorative platter in a circular pattern to mimic a classic fruit pizza pie. Alternatively, tuck the cookies individually into small, colorful cupcake liners or serve them on a tiered dessert stand for a charming party display that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cookies, keep the unfrosted cookie bases stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Add the frosting and fruit just before serving to maintain the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie bases alone by layering them between parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting and adding fruit to enjoy their perfect texture.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh or cold due to the cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit. However, if you prefer, let frozen cookies thaw completely without reheating to avoid melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit is ideal for maintaining the crispness and vibrant look on your Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe, you can use frozen fruit if carefully thawed and drained of excess liquid. Just keep in mind frozen fruit may make the cookies soggier if added too early.
Can I make the cookie base gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. The texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of the frosting?
You can swap the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. Ensure they are softened and follow the same techniques to achieve creamy frosting.
How far in advance can I assemble these cookies?
For the best texture, assemble them within a couple of hours before serving. The fruit can release moisture that might soften the cookie base if left assembled too long.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits such as mango, pineapple, or grapes. Just slice them thinly so they layer nicely on the frosting.
Final Thoughts
With their perfect balance of sweet cookie, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit, this Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe is a versatile and joyful treat that will brighten any occasion. I encourage you to whip up a batch and enjoy the burst of colors and flavors that make these cookies such a memorable delight. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fruit Pizza Cookies are delightful sugar cookie bases topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh, vibrant fruits. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of a classic fruit pizza in a portable cookie form, perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a colorful and tasty treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, combining fully for even flavor distribution.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Form the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen cookies.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents the frosting from melting upon application.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and free of lumps.
- Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Top with an assortment of fresh fruit slices to add color, flavor, and a refreshing contrast.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness, or refrigerate assembled cookies until ready to serve. To keep cookies from becoming soggy, add fruit toppings just before serving if storing cookies unfrosted.
Notes
- Add fruit toppings just before serving to prevent cookies from becoming soggy.
- Use a variety of colorful fresh fruits for an appealing and vibrant presentation.
- Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days and assemble with frosting and fruit before serving.
