If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as gorgeous to look at as it is fun to eat, you absolutely can’t go wrong with Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza. Imagine a soft, chewy sugar cookie crust, topped with sweet, tangy cream cheese and crowned with a vibrant rainbow of fresh fruit—each bite is perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible. This treat is both whimsical and elegant, perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks, but simple enough to whip up just because you deserve something delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza lies in its humble ingredients working together to create pure dessert magic. Each component—from the cookie base to the fruity finish—plays its own important role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz roll): This shortcut gives you a perfectly sweet, chewy base with nearly zero fuss. Homemade dough works too if you’re in the mood for from-scratch goodness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For a lusciously rich and tangy topping that holds up beautifully under all that gorgeous fruit.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the cream cheese’s tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just a splash infuses the creamy layer with a subtle, aromatic warmth.
- Assorted fresh fruit (1–2 cups): Think strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges, raspberries—choose your favorites or what’s in season for a burst of flavor and color.
- Apricot jam (¼ cup) plus water (1 tbsp), optional: This easy glaze adds a lovely shine and helps keep the fruit luscious and fresh, especially handy if you’re making it ahead.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a pizza pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Press the sugar cookie dough into a large, even circle about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry about making it a perfect circle—the slightly rustic look is part of the charm. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the crust is golden around the edges and set in the center, then let it cool completely. This is key for making sure your creamy layer spreads smoothly!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Topping
While the crust cools, pop your cream cheese into a bowl and give it a good beating with the sugar and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, cloud-like consistency—no lumps allowed. If your cream cheese is properly softened, this step comes together in a flash and ensures an irresistibly velvety spread.
Step 3: Decorate with Fresh Fruit
Now comes the fun! Once your crust is cool, gently spread the cream cheese mixture all over, leaving a little border for easy handling. This is where your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza becomes a true showstopper. Get creative with the fruit—make concentric circles, bold rainbow stripes, or simply sprinkle them on in a happy hodgepodge. There are no rules, just deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Optional Fruit Glaze
For a professional touch (and longer-lasting fruit), warm up the apricot jam with a tablespoon of water until it’s pourable. Brush this glaze lightly over the fruit to seal in moisture and give your pizza irresistible shine. This step is totally optional, but it takes your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza to that next level.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let your masterpiece chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This little nap firms up the creamy layer so your slices come out clean and picture-perfect. When you’re ready, cut into 12 wedges and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Garnishes
Dress up your pizza with a sprinkle of finely chopped mint, lemon zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. These little touches add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor, making each slice feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza alongside light, refreshing sides like lemon sorbet, fruit salad, or chilled iced tea. Its sweet, creamy profile pairs wonderfully with tangy and citrusy flavors that keep your dessert spread feeling bright and not overly rich.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza into mini wedges or squares for bite-sized party treats. Or, use cookie cutters to make fun, individual shapes. You can even serve the components “DIY-style”—let guests top their own personal slices with their favorite fruits and extra goodies like coconut flakes or chocolate chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store any remaining Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. The cream cheese keeps the crust tender, and the fruit stays fresh for up to two days. Just beware that after a day, the fruit may start to release a bit of juice, but it’ll still taste wonderful.
Freezing
While you can freeze the baked sugar cookie crust by itself (tightly wrapped for up to two months), assembled Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and cream cheese topping. For best results, freeze the crust and only add the toppings the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
As this dessert is always served chilled, reheating isn’t needed or recommended. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor. If you’ve frozen the crust, let it thaw at room temperature before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough makes a fantastic base for Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza. Just be sure to bake it until golden and let it cool completely before topping.
What fruits work best for this dessert?
Almost any fruit that’s fresh and sturdy will shine here—strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin orange segments, raspberries, blackberries, or pineapple all work beautifully. Try to mix colors and textures for the prettiest presentation.
How do I keep the fruit from making the cookie soggy?
Make sure your cookie base is fully cooled, and pat any especially juicy fruit dry before arranging. Adding a fruit glaze also acts as a little barrier to keep everything crisp and bright.
Can I make Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza ahead of time?
You can! Bake the crust and whip up the cream cheese layer up to a day in advance. Assemble with fruit and glaze right before serving or up to 2 hours ahead for the freshest look and taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely—Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is fun for helpers of all ages. Let little hands arrange the fruit or help mix the cream cheese topping, turning dessert prep into a creative, hands-on activity.
Final Thoughts
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza brings the magic of a bakery showcase right into your own kitchen, with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little imagination. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just jazzing up your weeknight dessert, gather your favorite fruit and give this treat a try—it’s sure to become a sparkling staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza, a sweet treat perfect for any occasion. A soft sugar cookie crust topped with creamy frosting and a colorful array of fresh fruits.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 (16.5 oz) roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
For the topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the fruit:
- 1–2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges, or raspberries)
Optional glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a greased or parchment-lined pizza pan or baking sheet, press the sugar cookie dough into a large even circle about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Add the fruit: Arrange the fresh fruit on top in a decorative pattern or mix as desired. If using the glaze, warm the apricot jam with water until melted, then brush lightly over the fruit to add shine and help preserve freshness.
- Chill and serve: Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use whatever fruit is in season or your favorite combination.
- To make ahead, bake the crust and mix the topping in advance, then assemble just before serving.
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