Fruit Pizza Cookies are a fun and tasty treat! They have a soft cookie base topped with sweet cream cheese and colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries. Yum!
These cookies are like a party on a plate! I love making them when friends come over. The best part? You can mix and match your favorite fruits for a special touch! 🍓🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you want a lighter version, try using coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce, but keep in mind this may slightly change the texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with structure. For a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar or reduce the amount if you want it less sweet. Just remember, less sugar might alter the cookie’s chewiness.
Cream Cheese: This is key for the frosting’s creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese. Also, dairy-free cream cheese works well for those avoiding dairy.
Fruits: You can use any fresh fruits you like! If some fruits aren’t in season, try frozen fruits. Just thaw them well and drain any excess juice before using.
How Do I Get the Cookies Just Right?
The cookie base is crucial, and there are a few steps to nail it. First, ensure you cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this incorporates air for a great texture.
- Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly.
- Don’t overwork the dough; just mix until combined to keep them tender.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time. The cookies are done when the edges turn golden, so if they’re still pale, give them a minute or two longer.
How to Make Fruit Pizza Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For the Toppings:
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, orange segments)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare the cookies, plus around 10-12 minutes for baking, and a little time for cooling. Just a bit of waiting for the cookies to cool and for the frosting to set, and then you’re ready to enjoy your bright and tasty fruit pizza cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s happening, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help your cookies not to stick and make for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended together.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until you have a soft dough that comes together nicely.
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop the dough into about 2-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with your hand so they spread slightly while baking. Now bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy frosting. This will be your delicious topping!
6. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each one. Now comes the fun part—top each cookie with an assortment of fresh fruit, arranging them in a colorful and inviting pattern.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves over the top for a lovely touch. You can serve these right away, or pop them in the fridge for about an hour to let the frosting set a bit. Enjoy your vibrant fruit pizza cookies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in these cookies. Just make sure to choose a stick margarine that can be softened and whipped. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add a little to help with the structure.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the fruit may get soggy after a day, so it’s best to add the toppings just before serving if you plan to store them.
What Fruits Work Best for Topping?
You’ll want to use fresh fruits that hold up well and aren’t too juicy. Strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi are fantastic choices! Avoid overly ripe fruits, which might be mushy. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for a colorful display!
