If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s bright, fun, and guaranteed to spark conversation around your table, Fruit Pizza Cookies should be at the very top of your list. These playful treats take all the best parts of a classic fruit pizza—rich sugar cookie base, tangy cream cheese “sauce,” and a rainbow of juicy fruit toppings—and reinvent them in the form of individually portioned cookies. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but each bite is bursting with fruity flavor and creamy goodness, making them a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fruit Pizza Cookies keep things refreshingly simple, relying on just a few staple ingredients to deliver vibrant flavor and irresistible texture. Each component adds its own touch—whether it’s color, sweetness, or creaminess—so don’t be afraid to get creative with what’s in season!
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (1 roll, 16.5 oz): The effortless shortcut for a perfectly soft, buttery cookie base every time—no mixing required!
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy layer that brings a gentle tang and luscious texture to each cookie.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps it spread like a dream.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the creamy topping—don’t skip it!
- Sliced strawberries (1 cup): Their juicy sweetness and vibrant color make every cookie feel special.
- Blueberries (1/2 cup): Tiny pops of flavor and a beautiful burst of blue for your “pizza.”
- Kiwi, peeled and sliced (1/2 cup): Brings a tangy, tropical twist and a fun green hue.
- Mandarin orange segments (1/2 cup): Adds zip, juiciness, and eye-catching orange color to your toppings.
- Optional honey or apricot jam for glaze: For that irresistible glossy finish and a touch of extra sweetness, just lightly brushed on top.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cookie Bases
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice your roll of sugar cookie dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You want a little room between each for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just turning golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, as this helps them firm up and hold all those tasty toppings later.
Step 2: Mix the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, grab a medium bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth, fluffy consistency—this is what gives every Fruit Pizza Cookie its signature creamy bite. Taste and adjust the sweetness if you’d like; you can easily add a little more or less powdered sugar to suit your preference.
Step 3: Decorate with Colorful Fruit
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part. Spread a generous spoonful of your cream cheese mixture onto each cookie, swirling it right up to the edges. Then top with an array of fruit slices, mixing and matching strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarins for a bright, festive look. There are no rules here—let your creativity (and sweet tooth) guide you!
Step 4: Optional Glaze for Shine
If you want your fruit toppings to glisten like they do in the bakery window, gently warm a little honey or apricot jam and lightly brush it over the fruit on each cookie. This step is optional, but it adds both shine and a hint of extra flavor, making your Fruit Pizza Cookies even more irresistible.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Right Away
Fruit Pizza Cookies are at their freshest when served the same day, but you can pop them in the fridge for a bit if you need to get ahead. The cool cream cheese layer and chilled fruit make every bite extra refreshing, especially on a warm day!
How to Serve Fruit Pizza Cookies
Garnishes
Give your Fruit Pizza Cookies an extra-special touch with fresh mint leaves, a subtle dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of extra honey. These finishing touches not only brighten the flavor but add flair, turning a simple dessert into a memorable centerpiece for any party or picnic.
Side Dishes
These cookies are the star of the show, but they pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a refreshing lemonade. If you’re hosting a brunch, a platter of Fruit Pizza Cookies alongside pastries and coffee makes for an unforgettable (and very Instagrammable) spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Fruit Pizza Cookies on a large platter in concentric circles for a show-stopping party centerpiece. If you’re making these for kids, set up a DIY decorating station so everyone can create their own masterpiece. For holidays or showers, choose fruit toppings that match your theme colors for a thoughtful, personalized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though that’s a big “if!”), store your Fruit Pizza Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. The cookies hold up well for a day or so, but the vibrant fruit looks and tastes best as fresh as possible.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the undecorated sugar cookies, then thaw and add the cream cheese and fruit just before serving. Both the baked cookie bases and the cream cheese topping freeze well separately, so you can prep in advance and assemble when you need a quick and cheerful dessert.
Reheating
Since Fruit Pizza Cookies are enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no reheating needed. If the cookies are super cold straight from the fridge, just let them sit out for a few minutes to soften the texture and awaken the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it for the base of your Fruit Pizza Cookies. Just make sure the cookies are sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
What fruits work best for Fruit Pizza Cookies?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Any berry, stone fruit, or citrus segment that’s ripe and in season is game—think raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, peaches, or grapes alongside the suggested options.
Can I make Fruit Pizza Cookies gluten free?
Definitely. Just swap in a gluten-free sugar cookie dough from the store or your own recipe, and make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten free.
How long can I leave Fruit Pizza Cookies out at a party?
Because of the cream cheese topping and fresh fruit, keep these cookies chilled until just before serving, and don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can make a vegan version by using plant-based sugar cookie dough and dairy-free cream cheese. Opt for agave or maple syrup as your glaze, and you’ll have vegan Fruit Pizza Cookies that are just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
Fruit Pizza Cookies are truly a treat that brings everyone together—fun to make, gorgeous to serve, and even better to eat. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special occasion or just craving something sweet and colorful, I promise these will become a new favorite. Don’t wait for a reason; give Fruit Pizza Cookies a try and let them bring a splash of sunshine to your day!
Print
Fruit Pizza Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fruit pizza cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruit pizza, featuring sugar cookie rounds topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese and a colorful assortment of fresh fruits. Perfect for a sweet treat or party dessert!
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- Optional: honey or apricot jam for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the cookies: Slice the sugar cookie dough, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread cream cheese on each cookie, top with fruit.
- Glaze: Optionally brush fruit with warmed honey or apricot jam.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Best served the same day for optimal texture.
- Customize with your favorite seasonal fruits like raspberries, peaches, or grapes.
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