These fruity pizza cookies are like a sweet little party on a cookie! With a soft base and a colorful topping of cream cheese and fresh fruits, they are both fun and tasty.
Making these is a blast—just bake the cookie base, spread the yummy cream cheese, and let your imagination run wild with fruit shapes. Who doesn’t love a cookie that’s also a work of art? 🎨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives a rich flavor and helps to achieve the right texture. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance things out.
Granulated Sugar: Standard white sugar works best here. For a slight twist, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a healthier version, but it may alter the cookie’s texture slightly.
Egg: The large egg helps bind the dough. If you prefer a vegan option, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. You can swap it with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but expect a denser cookie.
Fresh Fruits: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits! Berries, kiwi, and bananas work really well. If certain fruits aren’t in season, consider using frozen ones that have been thawed and drained.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture, start by properly creaming the butter and sugar. Make sure they are light and fluffy, as this helps incorporate air into the batter. After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet beforehand to prevent the dough from getting too warm.
- For even cookies, use a cookie scoop or roll uniform balls. Flatten them slightly; this gives the cookies an even bake.
- Keep an eye on them while baking! Once the edges start to turn golden, they’re done. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, oranges)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake. Once your cookies are cool, you’ll spend another 10 minutes assembling the frosting and fruit toppings. Overall, set aside about 45 minutes to enjoy making and serving these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick when they bake.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes. Then, add in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies soft!
4. Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball to give it a cookie shape. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.
5. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious topping!
6. Assembling the Fruit Pizza Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on the top of each cookie. Then, get creative! Top each one with an assortment of fresh fruit, arranging it in an attractive way. If you like, add a few mint leaves for a tasty garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Fruit Pizza Cookies are ready to serve! You can enjoy them immediately or chill them in the fridge for a little while before serving. Either way, they’re a delightful treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Other great options include peaches, bananas, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Just make sure to slice larger fruits into manageable pieces for easy serving!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use mascarpone cheese for a rich and creamy alternative. Just mix it with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract as you would with the cream cheese.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like, you can keep the cookies and the frosting in separate containers to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. Assemble them just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough a day ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before forming and baking the cookies.
