Fruit pizza cookies are a fun twist on dessert! They start with a soft, sweet cookie base and are topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruits.
These cookies are like tiny edible art pieces. I love letting the kids pick their favorite fruits to top them. It makes for a delicious treat that looks super cute too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a tender cookie. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. It gives moisture while reducing fat.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar helps achieve that nice, sweet flavor and texture. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, try using coconut sugar instead. It has a more caramel-like flavor and is less processed.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works well, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just make sure it’s one meant for baking to get similar results.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, full-fat cream cheese offers the best flavor and creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce or vegan cream cheese if you prefer dairy-free options.
Fruits: The fruit mix is customizable! Swap the berries for whatever is in season or on hand. Peaches or bananas could be tasty alternatives, and frozen fruits can work, too—just thaw and drain the excess moisture.
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Turn Out Perfectly Every Time?
The key to getting cookies just right lies in a few important steps. First, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create a light texture. Creaming the butter and sugar together until it’s fluffy is vital; it incorporates air for soft cookies.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start preparing your dough.
- When mixing dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Scooping out uniform portions of dough lets your cookies bake evenly.
- Don’t forget to let them cool completely! This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously soft and flavorful Fruit Pizza Cookies every time!
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (canned or fresh)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting and decorating, which might take an extra 20-30 minutes. So, you’ll be enjoying these yummy cookies in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will help make cleanup a breeze!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until it’s all combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a nice dough forms. This is where your cookies start to come together!
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to form a cookie shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Once done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, get started on the frosting! In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat everything together until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This will give your cookies a delicious topping!
5. Frost and Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to frost them! Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cookie using a knife or spatula. Now comes the fun part—arranging the fruits! Place the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges on top of the frosted cookies any way you like for a beautiful presentation.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you want, garnish the cookies with fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch. These Fruit Pizza Cookies are best enjoyed right away, but you can also refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Dig in and enjoy these tasty treats with family and friends!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe! Just make sure to use a stick-style margarine for the best results. The flavor may differ slightly, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt will give a tangier flavor, while mascarpone will provide a richer taste. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies without toppings; simply wrap them tightly and they’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fruit toppings. Sliced bananas, peaches, or even pineapple would make great alternatives. Just be careful not to use fruits that release a lot of moisture, as this can make the cookies soggy.
