Fruit pizza cookies are a fun treat! These colorful cookies are topped with creamy frosting and lots of fresh fruit. They’re perfect for warm days and make everyone smile!
Every bite is like a mini celebration, and I love making them with my kids. It’s a blast picking out our favorite fruits together. Plus, who can resist a cookie that looks this good? 🍓🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture a bit.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can be used instead, but the cookies may spread more during baking.
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt. It provides a similar tanginess with less fat.
Fresh Fruits: I love using a mix of berries, kiwis, and mandarins, but feel free to customize with your favorites. Bananas, peaches, or pineapples also work nicely!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking time right is crucial for cookies. Here are steps to ensure they come out just right:
- Always preheat your oven to the right temperature. This guarantees even baking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies; when the edges turn golden, they’re usually done. They may look soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. This is key to keeping that crisp texture.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
For the Fresh Fruit Toppings:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup kiwi, diced
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before adding the toppings, which can take about 30 minutes. All in all, you’ll need about 1 hour to have your delicious Fruit Pizza Cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix again until it’s combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small portions of dough and shape them into round cookies, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for them to spread while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important for the next steps!
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
While the cookies are cooling, grab another bowl and mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be your sweet topping!
7. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled entirely, spread a layer of your cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie. Be generous! It’s the best part.
8. Add the Fresh Fruit:
Now for the fun part! Top each cookie with an assortment of your fresh fruits: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges. Feel free to be creative with your fruit arrangements.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, add some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve your Fruit Pizza Cookies immediately or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. They’re perfect for a party or a sweet treat at home! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fruit topping based on your preferences or what’s in season. Other great options include sliced bananas, diced peaches, or even pomegranate seeds. Just be sure to adjust the amounts according to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cookies may soften slightly due to the moisture from the fruit, but they will still taste great!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the cookie dough in advance! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you want to substitute cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or try mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the powdered sugar to your desired level of sweetness!
